The official celebration of Martyrs Day was commemorated today Saturday June 20, 2009, at the national level here in the Capital. The ceremony was conducted with a tribute that reflects the deepest respect for our martyrs at the Patriots’ Cemetery.

In the early morning hours of today, a public march which commenced around the Shida monument in the Martyrs Avenue and congregated around the Patriots’ Cemetery in Tsetserat.

Led by a marching band, the solemn procession was headed by President Isaias Afwerki, accompanied by senior government officials, military commanders, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and tens of thousands of citizens.

Upon reaching the Patriots Cemetery, President Isaias Afwerki, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs at the PFDJ, Sibhat Efriem, Minister of Defense, Ms. Liul Gebreab, Chairperson of the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) and Mr. Tewolde Kelati, Administrator of the Central Region, laid flower wreaths on the martyrs’ grave.

In his address on the occasion, President Isaias Afwerki said that our existence depends on the sacrifice our martyrs paid.

“I would like to seize this day to say to our martyrs live on as the pride of our existence and at the same time thank Eritreans at home and abroad for renewing their pledge to the martyrs every year by lighting a candle,” he said. (See full text.)

Songs and poems in different languages of Eritrea that glorify the bravery of Eritrea martyrs were recited in the ceremony by Leila Cultural Group and other artists.

Earlier Mr. Tewode Kelati, Administrator of Central Region, said that the liberation struggle that lasted for over a quarter of a century and the relentless sacrifices brought the anticipated independence.

During the evening hours yesterday, 19th June, 2009, thousands of citizens participated in a candle vigil in honor of the day.

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