War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
By Amoko Robert
August 23, 2011 (JUBA) – War veterans day was colourfully celebrated on Tuesday in Juba for the capital of the Republic of South Sudan for the first time since the country’s independence.
“Our leadership declared this day as a ‘veteran day’ to be commemorated every year in honour of those who took up arms against the oppressors [in Khartoum]”, he said.
The Brigadier General said that it is important to note the key role war veterans played in South Sudan’s struggle for self determination. After a peace deal with Khartoum in 2005, South Sudan held a referendum in January which saw a momentous vote for independence, which was achieved on July 9th.
The commemoration of this year was celebrated under the theme, “we honor our veterans on this day because it marks the end of slavery, oppression against marginalization”.
“To our veterans, there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and sacrifice. This nation will remain the land of [the] free only so long as it is the home of the brave”.
Luwaya recalled that the August 18 2011 marks the 56th anniversary of the Torit revolution, the day South Sudan’s revolted began. The first civil war ended in 1973 but restarted in 1983. South Sudan’s numerous grievances included economic and political marginalisation, implementation of Shari’a Law in the Christian and African orientated region, disputes over Nile water and the failure to implement the previous peace deal.
“This year is the year of harvest for the struggle of the people of South Sudan after losing millions of lives”. The UN estimate that two million people died and four million were displaced in the two decade conflict.
Luwaya called on the government of South Sudan to decentralise its administration and provide services to veterans.
The war veteran suggested that a monument be constructed in every county of the Republic of South Sudan bearing the list of the fallen heroes and heroines so that all citizens remember them for generations. He said that badges and certificates of recognition should be awarded to the veterans as a sign of recognition.
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MINDED.DUDE
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
we need the really freedom fighters to stand in front of us.
But do Not include cattle rustler as veterans of war.
Do not include people who lost their limbs for turning their guns to their fellow brothers south sudan as hero.don do that.
Jeti
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
Are the defecters also called war vaterans? The answer is NO. I hope it wasn’t everyone who celebrated War Vaterans’ Day yesterday in Juba.
Gabriel KK
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
That’s a brilliant statement Mr.Dude.
Deng Gau
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
Yes, war veterans our heroes and heroines deserve that.
If there is a man to be warshop after God that will be war veterans and martyrs.
I salute you all our heroes and heroines.
Bravo to this idea.
Cheers,
Deng
Deng Gau
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
Sorry, correction.
I mean there worship not warship as written in my comment.
Cheers,
Deng.
DeltaBravo
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
They all are war veteran. It doesnt matter to me as Southerner. It was a war that bring disability and lost of life.
Good Citizen
War veterans day celebrated in South Sudan
Till when are we going to worship the so called Veterans, Martyrs etc? to avoid waste of state resources, the DAY should be commmemorated ONCE that is during Matyrs Day/independence Day.not splitting to unnecessary many days, stopping national work.