Hailing the 56th Anniversary Independence Day: Safeguard national Independence
Okkar66127
Saturday, 20 December, 2003
Hailing the 56th Anniversary Independence Day:
Safeguard national Independence
The winter mist makes the days of a season cool and pleasant, while the thazin
(Bulbophyllum auricomum) flowers add grace and beauty to a person who wear
them. Independence brings peace and tranquillity to all the people, while
helping enhance the image and dignity of their nation. Hence, the people of
Myanmar cherish and safeguard independence.
Myanmar regained independence on 4 January 1948. The time was four in the
morning. The images of the State Flag hoisting ceremony of the independence
still capture the hearts of many Myanmars till today. The venue was the lawns
in front of the Hluttaw. Present on the occasion were the acting President and
ministers, the chief justice, the chiefs of the defence service, and invited
guests. Members of the provisional parliament, the acting prime minister,
representatives of foreign countries and those of the national races were
seated at the place in front of the Hluttaw.
The sound of the royal drum was reverberating around the place. But the Union
Jack still fluttered on top of the flag pole in front of the Hluttaw in the
early morning breeze. At 4.19 am, a red light signalled all the officials and
guests to stay still.
At 4.20 am, the naval ship Birmingham fired guns into the air to mark the start
of the ceremony. A British Naval officer slowly lowered the Union Jack, while
the band was playing music. At that time, the entire Yangon was reverberated
with the sound of sirens, rifles firing into the air, and crackers. The early
morning sky was decorated and lighted with fireworks.
As soon as the Union Jack was lowered to the ground, the State Flag of the
Union of Myanmar was hoisted to the accompaniment of the military band, and
proudly took over the place of the British flag. As soon as the State Flag
reached the top, conch shells were blown and the royal drums beaten, while the
officials and guests at the ceremony were saluting the State Flag. Since that
moment, Myanmar has become an independent and sovereign nation in the world. It
was the most auspicious day marked as the Independence Day of the nation.
But a large number of national races had sacrificed lives, blood and sweat to
regain independence. They fought for the cause for over 100 years. Independence
is a great victory for the people in their struggle to liberate the nation from
the enslavement of the colonialists.
Since time immemorial, Myanmars had lived in dignity under their own monarchs.
Myanmar has precise land and territorial waters, and her people have their own
history. Located in the strategic place of Southeast Asia, its land area is
twice the size of the British Isles, larger than Germany, and wider than
France.
Myanmar civili-zation flourished in the country since the establishment of city
states. The Myanmar race continues to exist till today, thanks to the love for
the motherland, patriotism and nationalist fervour. The people have been known
national pride.
The colonialists launched unjust aggressive wars against Myanmar for three
times - the first in 1824, the second in 1852 and the third in 1885 - and
annexed the country. Myanmar, a sovereign nation standing tall among the world
nations, fell into subjugation in the Konboung era on 1 January 1886. Since
then Myanmars had to live under subjugation, restriction and oppression.
However, the Myanmars with the unyielding spirit fought back the colonialists
with any available weapon they had. Under subjugation, Myanmar had to face the
unforgettable bitter experiences of exploitation and oppression in various
forms.
For the patriots it is better to be dead than to be kept in bondage. Thus, they
repulsed the occupiers with unyielding spirit and valour. They knew that the
colonialists had much better weapons than they had, but they were not afraid,
showing their courage and ability in every battle for independence. All the
national races including Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and
Shan unitedly and daringly took part in the armed independence struggle at the
risk of their lives.
With strong patriotism, all the national races launched an armed opposition
against the colonialists through all possible means. In addition to the armed
struggles, there were political movements nation-wide to oppose the
colonialists and their enslavement of the country. The activities of the Young
Men's Buddhist Association had vitalized the patriotism of the local people.
Thus, the entire people felt more and more bitter about the colonialists.
The activities of the YMBA and GCBA plus the Saya San uprising and the year
1300 movement occurred followed by the national movement. The Tatmadaw was
formed and the entire mass of the people launched the nationalist movement with
the sole objective of regaining independence.
Later, the Panglong Agreement was signed with the resolve - for all the
national races of the Union to live in equality and unity. In this way, the
entire national races showed their determination to regain independence through
Union Spirit.
The independence, the final and desirous goal of the entire national races, was
restored on 4 January 1948. Myanmar has regained the sovereign independence
that is free from alien interference.
The people are free to shape the nation's future. Independence is the
invaluable victory won through the lives, blood and sweat of the Myanmars after
launching the struggle with unyielding spirit. It is the duty of all the
patriotic national brethren to safeguard the independence regained by the
ancestors at high costs.
Author : Gyobingauk Tin Maung Oo