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JUBA, South Sudan — As South Sudan observes Martyrs’ Day, the U.S. Embassy is remembering U.S. government employees who lost their lives while working to support the people of what is today the independent country of South Sudan.

“On Martyrs’ Day, South Sudan honors those who sacrificed their lives so that the people of what is today South Sudan could see an end to their marginalization and decide their own future,” the statement partially reads.

“We remember the U.S. government employees who lost their lives seeking to help the people of what is today the independent country of South Sudan,” the embassy added.

The employees remembered include John Granville (2008), Abdel Rahman Abbas (2008), Andrew Tombe (1992), Baudoin Tally (1992), Dominic Morris (1992), and Chaplain Lako (1992).

The tribute comes on the eve of South Sudan’s commemoration of Martyrs’ Day, which honors those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for an end to marginalization and for the right of the people of South Sudan to determine their own future.