July 19 is an important day on Myanmar’s calendar, as it marks the anniversary of one of the major milestones in Myanmar’s modern history. On this date in 1947 the country’s national hero, Gen. Aung San, who won independence from British colonial rule and was the father of now detained Myanmar democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was gunned down by a political rival along with eight comrades.
Commemorated every year as Martyrs’ Day, it sees the whole country mourn for its fallen leaders. Today is the 77th Martyrs’ Day.
On this occasion, The Irrawaddy revisits some previously published stories about the day and the late general’s as yet unrealized vision of a unified and democratic Myanmar.
The Day Myanmar’s Independence Hero was Assassinated
Today is Martyrs’ Day, the day on which, 77 years ago, Myanmar independence hero General Aun San was gunned down. The mastermind behind his death remains unnamed.
Who Killed Gen. Aung San?
To mark Martyrs’ Day, The Irrawaddy revisits a 2010 interview with author Kin Oung about his book on the assassination of Myanmar’s independence hero and his colleagues.
The House That Shaped Myanmar’s History
The Aung San Museum in Yangon is where the independence leader wrote his speeches and prepared the Panglong Agreement. Decisions made there continue to shape Myanmar.
Aung San: A Legacy Unfulfilled
Since the 32-year-old Aung San was killed in 1947, Myanmar has suffered from a crisis of leadership. His aspirations for a unified and democratic Myanmar are yet to be realized.
