NAY PYI TAW June 19
The Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services always recognizes and praises individual Tatmadawmen who are protecting the State and public lives and property for their duties at risk of their lives. They are urged to maintain the fine traditions of the Tatmadaw. As they joined the Tatmadaw of their own accord with the good spirit of protecting the State, Tatmadawmen must strengthen their already existing strength. As they are serving their duties by sacrificing their lives and body, they need to take pride of becoming Tatmadawmen, said Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in meeting with officers, other ranks and their families at Magway Station this afternoon.
Also present on the occasion were the Senior General’s wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) and Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Swar Lin.
In his speech, the Senior General said military training courses are being conducted rank-wise with basic military skills. Military unforms, armours and weapons are being provided to them. By applying military skills they have learned in a practical way, they can win victory in battlefield. They need to do their daily training in a correct manner. Daily exercise for health and fitness is indeed readiness for the front line. Tatmadawmen must be strong and healthy and proficient in respective fields. As they must have courage to fight, they need to do training constantly.
They must perform their duties in a more efficient manner by learning lesson from the weak and strong points. It is necessary to get prepared for the future without blaming the past. They must train themselves by always reviewing their duties in respective sectors. With the will to win and the will to fight, every Tatmadawman must be able to fly the State flag by crushing all enemies. They must promote the image of the country by ensuring that others salute the State flag of Myanmar while she is winning victory in sports events. As such, systematic and constant training is necessary.
For the welfare of Tatmadawmen and their families, Tatmadaw-owned agricultural and livestock farms are selling meat, fish, vegetables and chicken eggs at reduced prices. Eating nutritious foods like those fish, meat, vegetables and eggs will contribute to duty performances. There must be a balance between income and expenditure. Self-indulgence and alcohol must be avoided. Traditional cultural festivities are also necessary under times and circumstances. Fiction and non-fiction books must be read to widen their horizons and improve their life. All must cooperate for the betterment of individuals, units and the whole country.
Next, the Senior General presented cash awards for the families of those from units under the regional headquarters who sacrificed their lives or limbs. An official accepted the cash awards. The Senior General presented foodstuffs to the officers, other ranks and their families from the station and Daw Kyu Kyu Hla presented cash awards for the station maternal and child welfare association. The commander officer and wife of the regional headquarters accepted the gifts.
Admiral Tin Aung San, General Maung Maung Kyaw and Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) presented fiction and non-fiction books, sports equipment and food for the station and officials accepted them.
Then, the Senior General and wife and party went to the lower footprint of Mann Shwesattaw Pagoda in Minbu/Saku Township, Minbu District, Magway Region, and offered flowers, water and oil lights. The Senior General and senior military officers offered gold foils to the lower footprint and viewed the transparent glass cap. The Senior General stressed the need for enginers to inspect the strength of the lower footprint chamber. He said he was happy to see pilgrims can paid homage to the lower footprint at any time thanks to the glass cap. People of all ages need to preserve the already existing traditions. As the lower footprint is covered with the glass cap, pilgrims are coming to pay homage although the pilgrimage season is over. So officials need to arrange meals and accommodation for pilgrims.
The Senior General and wife made cash donations for the pagoda and officials from the pagoda board of trustees accepted them. They presented a painting of the lower footprint to the Senior General as a Dhamma gift.
