In his address, President Kagame urged individuals and the nation to remain true to their identity, warning against the temptation to imitate others or abandon their foundations. He said, “Do not make the mistake of finding yourself thinking that you should be someone other than who you are. You should be who you are.”

The President emphasised that every person is uniquely created, and the same applies to families and nations. He noted, “That is how a person is. That is how a family is. And that is how a country is.” He added that Rwanda cannot be turned into any other country, stressing that such an attempt would be neither natural nor viable.

Reflecting on the significance of Heroes Day, President Kagame explained, “Why Heroes Day? It is because every nation or people of this world find themselves in one situation or another, or circumstances, that also informs and influences their actions and struggles.” He said the day reminds Rwandans of their past, their present journey, and what is required to ultimately triumph as a nation.

Addressing young people, President Kagame cautioned against abandoning identity and culture, saying, “Wherever you go in the world, whatever you see, whatever you admire, never think of trying to leap away from who you are and becoming something else you saw elsewhere.” He warned that replacing one’s culture by copying others is destructive and does not endure.

The President also underscored the importance of resilience, stating, “Resilience must be in everything we do.” He said Rwanda’s survival is proof of that resilience, noting that without it, the country would not exist as it does today. He concluded by reminding participants that the sacrifices of those who died must not be in vain.

The National Prayer Breakfast served as a moment of thanksgiving, reflection, and recommitment to unity, resilience, and values-based leadership.