The Head of State delivered the message to Rwandans and friends of Rwanda as the country celebrated Heroes Day on 1st February 2023.

This year’s celebration is observed under the theme ‘Our Heroism, Our dignity’.

Kagame has via Twitter handle said that it serves as an opportunity to honour heroes for their sacrifice to make Rwanda a country with a bright vision.

“Today, we honour the Rwandan men and women whose bravery and patriotism laid the foundation for a nation of a people determined to shape their own destiny,” he tweeted.

“As we face challenges of regional and global nature, today is a reminder of our ability to stand up for what is right, to protect our nation and to build a legacy of prosperity for generations. Happy Heroes Day!” added Kagame.

According to the law establishing the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor "a hero is any person who pursues objectives he/she undertakes to obtain a special achievement for the public interest and with high proven integrity, sacrifice and noble courage in his/her acts and who avoids being a coward in his/her actions in very trying situations."

Rwandan heroes are classified into three categories namely:

Imanzi: The unknown soldier and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema.

Imena: Mutara III Rudahigwa, Rwagasana Michel, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Niyitegeka Félicité and Nyange students.

Ingenzi: No hero was classified in this category.

President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laying a wreath at the National Heroes Mausoleum located in Remera, Gasabo District of Kigali City on Wednesday 1st February 2023.