YANGON: Myanmar marked the 77th Martyrs’ Day today (July 19) to honour the country’s national hero, General Aung San.
July 19 is an important day on Myanmar’s calendar, as it marks the anniversary of one of the major milestones in Myanmar’s modern history.
On the date in 1947 General Aung San, who won independence from British colonial rule and was the father of now-detained Myanmar democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was shot down by a political rival along with eight comrades. The mastermind behind his assignation remains unnamed.
The Martyr’s Day commemorated every year and sees the whole country mourn for its fallen leaders.
Manynmar has also established the Aung San Museum in Yangon where the independence leaders wrote speeches and prepared the Panglong Agreement.
Since the 32-year-old Aung San was killed in 1947, Myanmar has faced a leadership crisis. His aspirations for a democratic and unified Myanmar are yet to be realized.
