Celebrations to mark the 8^th Martyrs Day are scheduled for around the country.

Martyrs Day is held annually to remember those who died during the years of liberation struggle in the country.

The day also commemorates Dr. John Garang’s death in a helicopter -crash on his way from Uganda.  Doctor Garang died on 30^th July, 2005.

In Juba, the ceremonies will  take place at the Doctor John Garang Mausoleum.

In Warrap State those who fought during the war will remembered for the contribution they made to the entire Country.

Speaking before the planned celebration in Warrap’s Minister of Information Nyanaguek Mangok told Eye Radio that the country should remember both the men and women who lost their lives in the fight for independence.

“Our martyrs who died for during the war of South Sudan, if it wasn’t because of them, we wouldn’t have gotten the freedom we have today,” he said.  “We ask God to protect their souls all the time. If it wasn’t because of them, there would be no independence and we would not think of the Republic of South Sudan raising its flag around the world.”

Western Equatoria’s Minister of Information Charles Kisanga said it was vital that all citizens to remain calm and peaceful this Martyrs Day.

“Some of the citizens of might have been worried with all the rumors and so on, but the government is here to assure them especially on this Remembrance Day that still we are moving ahead with SPLM achievements which brought the independence,” he told Eye Radio. “The sacrifices of the martyrs were not in vain. We have our freedom and the democratic process is continuing and delivery of services to communities at large.”

Felix Otudua, the State Minister of Information, for Eastern Equatoria said that resources do not allow a celebration in the state, so soon after the second independence anniversary.

“Just recently we had our independence and you know the gathering always requires resources, you need to budget, you need to do anything so that the whole thing goes so it does not imply anything to us here in Eastern Equatoria,” he said.

Sarah Nyakuach, the  widow of the late SPLA Chief of Staff, William Nyuon Bany has called on the national government to construct a national martyrs’ memorial center.

Madam Nyakuach is now a member of the National Parliament, representing Jonglei State.

“What I want to tell my government is that let them create a place with enough space to publicly put the names of those who died for people to see, “ she said. “Let their names be written and be put in that place to symbolically represent graves for their children to know their fathers died and were buried.”

In Juba, a large crowd of residents, government officials, diplomats and representatives of the international community are expected at the ceremony, which will be held at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum.

Last year, the government said ‘Martyrs Day’ signifies the dignity and self-esteem of the people of South Sudan during the armed struggle.