Western Lakes State governor, Mahmuod Solomon Agok on Saturday last week renovated graveyards of two fallen heroes to commemorate Martyrs Day.
The two graveyards belong to Capt. Marial Anyuei Chiman and 1st Lt. Buong Malou Ramdhel who were killed in the eastern part of Rumbek Secondary School by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) on May 1, 1997.
Speaking during the Martyrs Day occasion at Rumbek Freedom Square on Tuesday, Agok said it was important to pay tribute to fallen heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the country.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today (Tuesday) we stand together to pay tribute and honour to show respect to our fallen heroes and heroines for the enormous sacrifices they made. It is also the day that reminds us of our abiding love for fighting for our own country,” the governor said.
Agok said the ruling SPLM party gained inspiration from its founder, the late Dr. John Garang De Mabior who preached patriotism.
“The liberation war we fought with Sudan was full of hazards and great hardship for our identity, but we overcame it because we knew we were fighting for our identity, freedom, justice and economic prosperity for our people,” he explained.
Agok said sacrifices made by the martyrs should provide reasons for the country’s citizens to come together and unite as one people.
On his part, SPLM state secretary, Chol Dut Ajieng advised citizens to always remember July 30 as the day heroes and heroines shed blood.
“This day is very important because it reminds the nation of the blood of our heroes and heroines that we proudly believe have cemented our national foundation,” he said, adding “Their sacrifices will guide while making decisions in the least administrative units”.
Ajieng, however, said it is the responsibility of the governing SPLM party to ensure services are effectively delivered to the population.
Hundreds of people attended the event in Rumbek town.