Father of the Karen resistance to brutal military dictatorship was assassinated by those very brutal dictators of Myanmar. Other great revolutionaries against genocidal dictatorships were assassinated along with Saw Ba U Gyi, including national hero Saw San Kei and other great Karen leaders. We remember and heartedly salute these great martyrs and the sacrifice they have made for freedom from oppression.

It has been 71 years as of now, yet the sacrifice of these great martyrs lives on deep within our hearts, and they remain as a great inspiration to those of us defending our freedom, democracy and federalism. The brave Karen people have been struggling for freedom and democracy and sacrificed their lives for the cause of justice, freedom and federal democracy. These sacrifices will never be forgotten, and because of the courage these martyrs have displayed in laying down their lives for our country and people, we ourselves take courage and remain resilient despite the brutal and cruel attacks by the military dictators. These dictators have no regard for life, but serve only themselves through war and at the expense of the innocent lives and wealth of our nation and people. These courageous martyrs have left us a message which is to us a source of strength, enabling us in our struggles for freedom and peace from the darknesses of cruel tyranny. Saw Ba U Gyi laid down the following guiding principles in our struggle for freedom and democracy: To never surrender, to never give up until we attain full fledged freedom and self determination, equality, peace and prosperity under a Federal Democratic Union of Myanmar where the rights of all are will be respected, protected and promoted regardless of race, religion, culture, ethnicity, background, or social status. 

Despite the successive military dictatorships, time and time again these great Karen martyrs have displayed unparalleled courage in the face of the most hostile military regimes. These dictatorships have brought unspeakable pain and suffering, and indescribable destruction to our golden land, and will be remembered in the darkest annuls of our history. In the new Myanmar, these fallen heroes and national martyrs of freedom will be honoured, saluted, and cherished in our hearts for all generations to come.

Indeed we will never surrender until the darkness is defeated by the light; we will never give up in our struggle against this evil reign of terror. These wicked genocidal dictators will be defeated by the freedom and peace loving – the brave and courageous people of Myanmar. We will never give up until the full federation of all our people is accomplished.

Once again, we say a deep thank you to our martyrs from the bottom of our hearts, for giving their lives for the cause of our freedom and inclusive federal democracy. Together we will win; together we are winning!

May God bless the brave people of Karen state, and every Karen person around the world!

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations