ERITREA: Martyr’s Day Commemorated with Patriotic Zeal in Eritrea
By Zerayohannes Ghebrehiwet
June 20th, a day of honoring Eritrean Martyrs, brings all nationals and those in the Diaspora together to pay tribute to those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the independence and sovereignty of the country. It is one of the greatest National Holidays in Eritrea, dedicated to honoring the martyrs and for citizens to renew their pledges.
The yearly memorial ceremony of the martyrs’ day begins on the eve of June 19th with a candlelight vigil and cultural activities, with Eritreans across the country marching in the streets of the cities with candles. A candlelight vigil ceremony took place at Martyrs’ Avenue with all gathered in the Bahti Meskerem Square. At this time the street lights are switched off Flag is half-mast.
It is also the day when Eritreans renew their pledge to honor and enforce the martyrs’ trust through practical actions including assisting children and parents, planting trees staging various artistic performances that depict the weight of the day, and inspiring hope and responsibility in all.
In the Geez Calendar June 19th is the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel and all Christians: the Orthodox, Lutheran, and Catholics, have prayer services together and mark the Martyrs’ Day at the Church of St. Michael in Asmara. Similarly, Salat & Dua services were conducted at the Al-Khulafae Al-Rashideen Grand Mosque in the evening hours. The Catholic Church was presented by Archbishop Menghisteab Tesfamariam of Asmara.
On this eve, everyone lights a candle and puts it near the photo/photos of their loved ones and this continues until the next day, which is the main day dedicated to the martyrs. It has become an Eritrean culture to remember all the heroes who fell in the battlefields during the 30-year war for independence and also during the border conflict for the sovereignty of the country.
Vigil of candlelight ceremony and public procession from a specific place to the nearby cemetery of the martyrs, cultural and artistic performances that depict the precious sacrifices made by the gallant freedom fighters for independence and sovereignty are done all over the country starting from the Zone up to the smallest village level. The Eritrean communities in the Diaspora also conduct similar activities wherever they are and give due respect to all the Eritrean heroes.
