- February 2, 2019
On Friday, February 1st, 2019 the Embassy of Rwanda in the U.S. hosted a Heroes Day cocktail reception at the newly renovated chancery in Washington, D.C.
Despite freezing January weather, about 100 people, members of the diplomatic corps, numerous Defense Attachés, friends of Rwanda, and members of the Rwandan community joined the Embassy to mark this occasion.
In his welcoming remarks, Brigadier General, Vincent Nyakarundi, Defense Attaché at the Embassy of Rwanda thanked those in attendance for honoring the invitation. As a member of the forces that liberated Rwanda 25 years ago, he expressed his high regard for this day.
In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Mukantabana emphasized on the importance of cultivating heroic values starting at the family unit, all the way to the national level. “Those heroes who gave their lives for the liberation of Rwanda were young and had many aspirations, but chief among them was sacrificing everything for their nation. We can all strive to lead heroic lives.”
On the youth’s role in protecting and upholding the heroic values, Ambassador Mukantabana said “It is now up to our youth to take up the baton and run with it as far as they can dream for their nation. Let us build off the legacy of a strong foundation that Rwanda’s heroes left us with, let us carry on the torch and fuel that flame with unshakable patriotism, commitment, and resilience.”
She called all those present to uphold integrity and patriotism in the pursuit of the betterment of their nations and ultimately the world.
This event also served as an open house opportunity for the guests. The Chancery was recently renovated into a state-of-the-art building, equipped with smart technology and environmentally friendly use of energy.