By. Dr. Sunday de John
Chairman, South Sudan United Front- Progressive
In commemoration of May 16, we honor SPLA day, a day that shall always be remembered as the day Commander Kerubino Kuanyin discharged the first shot. It marks the commencement of a hard and strenuous trek towards the deliverance of South Sudanese people from subjugation and eventually, fulfilling their entitlement to self-determination.
Today, we congregate to ponder the intractable determination that spurred our country onward, to celebrate the courageous heroes who yielded their lives for liberty, and to bestow veneration upon the far-sighted commanders who directed our arduous battles. We use this opportunity to propagate the message of harmony and solidarity with all South Sudanese, as we strive to construct a prosperous future together.
May 16 symbolizes the immovable will that surged through the veins of every South Sudanese, joining us in our mission for liberation. It was a day that sparked the fire of liberation, motivating countless individuals to fight against the constraints of oppression and reclaim their self-respect. This date signifies the unconquerable spirit of our people, the unswerving allegiance to justice, and the repudiation to tolerate subjugation.
Honoring the martyrs
We have encountered substantial losses on our path to liberation, with countless courageous individuals sacrificing their lives for our collective liberty. We bow our heads in meek submission, our hearts overflowing with admiration, for these heroes and heroines, who selflessly gave their lives to guarantee a more hopeful future for our descendants. The courageous deeds of our predecessors remind us of the invaluable worth of freedom and the necessity we have to safeguard and treasure it.
Dr. John Garang: a farsighted Leader
In this expedition of emancipation, we cannot disregard the remarkable leadership and insight of Dr. John Garang de Mabior. His steadfast dedication, tactical skill, and talent for bringing together different groups of people assisted in guiding the SPLA towards its virtuous aspirations. Dr. Garang’s leadership was characterized by his perceptive grasp of the difficulties our nation faced, his unshakeable fortitude in the face of difficulty, and his relentless drive for tranquility and equity. His legacy is a never-ending source of motivation to us all, emphasizing the strength of solidarity and tenacity.
Remembering William Nyuon
As we contemplate our course to freedom, we ought to recognize the contributions of William Nyuon Bany. His passionate patriotism and undying commitment to the cause inspired multitudes. William Nyuon’s boldness and tenacity, when confronted with immense difficulties, exemplified the perseverance of the South Sudanese people. Until his tragic death, he was a sign of hope, an embodiment of the dreams and aspirations of an independent South Sudan.
Unfaltering determination of President Salva Kiir
Honoring this momentous day, we must recognize the unfaltering commitment of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who remained loyal to Dr. John Garang during our most toilsome fight. President Kiir’s unrelenting devotion to the independence struggle and his unwavering encouragement of Dr. Garang indicated his intense sense of responsibility and loyalty to the South Sudanese people. In spite of confronting a plethora of difficulties, President Kiir kept to his objective of our combined freedom and was essential in guiding our nation to sovereignty.
Contributions of chiefs, women, and the citizenry
In honoring the success of the liberation struggle, we must recognize the immense contributions of chiefs from all regions of South Sudan, women, and the entire populace. Their assistance, including the supply of bulls and food rations to our fighters, was critical in sustaining our forces and bolstering their perseverance.
As custodians of their communities, the chiefs assumed a critical role in rousing enthusiasm and uniting their people for the cause of liberation. Their insight, direction, and unflinching commitment to the cause provided a strong foundation for our joint aspirations.
The women of South Sudan were a fundamental factor in the success of the liberation struggle. They stood alongside their male associates, contributing their potency, fortitude, and unwavering loyalty. The women of South Sudan were indispensable in our movement, be it supplying sustenance, nursing the injured, or engaging in various kinds of activism. They devotedly committed to the cause, with little thought for their own safety, fundamentally changing the course of our nation.
The canoe men: a spring of power and sign of aspiration
The canoe men, who courageously crossed hazardous rivers and water bodies, were pivotal to the success of the liberation struggle. These brave souls exposed themselves to danger in order to guarantee a secure path for our forces, facilitating their capacity to surmount geographical hindrances and continue their journey towards freedom. Their altruism, inventiveness, and commitment that never wavered provided our fighters with a source of strength and a glimmer of hope.
The canoe men formed a bridge between communities, making it easy for our unified forces to traverse hazardous waters. Their skill and boldness offered a lifeline to our liberation troops, guaranteeing their progress was not hindered by natural limitations that could have acted as barriers. Their indispensable contributions cannot be overlooked, as they were a critical piece of the puzzle in our victory.
The collective resolve
May 16 serves as a testament to the collective determination of all the commanders and courageous sons of South Sudan in their unified struggle for liberation. It was through their unceasing resolve, self-sacrifice, and perpetual adherence to a collective goal that our nation escaped the flames of oppression and assumed its rightful place among the community of nations. From the mobilizers at the grassroots level to the generals in command, from the scholars to the commoners, it was the combined strength of each South Sudanese that drove us forward, conquering seemingly unbeatable hurdles.
Today, let us honor the courage, resolve, and dedication of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Their unbending determination, honed in the furnace of hardship, has fashioned the current South Sudan.
A Message of Peace
On this day of commemoration and jubilation, let us clasp the ethos of solidarity and forward a message of harmony to all South Sudanese. May this day remind us of the shared aspiration that binds us, regardless of ethnicity, clan, and geographical boundaries. We should strive to nurture an environment of dialogue, comprehension, and amity, understanding that only through a peaceful union can we truly pay tribute to the sacrifices of our martyrs.
May 16 is a date that will be indelibly imprinted in the collective remembrance of South Sudan. It remains an emblem of the courageousness and unshakeable commitment of our citizens, as well as a glaring reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes. This day, as we commemorate the liberation endeavor, let us revere the pioneering leaders such as Dr. John Garang, William Nyuon Bany and Salva Kiir Mayardit among other sons and daughters of South Sudan for opting against injustices and seeking for liberty through a successful liberation struggle.
The spilled blood of our martyrs is a lubricant that shall keep the cogs in South Sudan’s wheel free from rust and ease their rolling as we continue working to achieve prosperity for all.
