KIGALI, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Saturday celebrated National Heroes' Day by honoring the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country and its citizens.

Observed under the theme "Heroism and unity for Rwanda's development," the annual celebration honors national heroes who upheld the highest values of patriotism, unity, and sacrifice.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath in commemoration of Rwandan heroes before observing a moment of silence at the National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera Sector, Gasabo District of Kigali, the Rwandan capital.

Senior government officials, the dean of the diplomatic corps, and families of Rwanda's fallen heroes also took part in honoring the national heroes of the small Central African country.

Besides the main ceremony, the celebrations were taken to the grassroots across the country, where Rwandans gathered together at the village level to pay tribute to the heroes who shaped the future of Rwanda.

Speaking at a night concert organized in Kigali on the eve of National Heroes' Day, as part of the celebrations marking the occasion, Jean Damascene Bizimana, Rwanda's minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, urged Rwandans -- particularly leaders, educators, and parents -- to instill fundamental Rwandan values like patriotism, unity, and heroism in the younger generation.

He emphasized that Rwandan children should take the lead in their own development and understand that nothing holds greater worth than their country. "They must be brought up with strong values and principles," Bizimana said.

Several activities were held during the heroes' week that included discussions about heroic values, concerts and sports games such as soccer, basketball, sitting volleyball and cycling.

The National Heroes' Day is observed annually on Feb. 1. Enditem

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