NAY PYI TAW January 4
Ceremony to present Tatmadaw gallantry medals and certificates was held at Zeyathiri Beikman here this afternoon, graced by Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing with his presence.
Also present at the ceremony together with the Senior General were wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, SAC Vice Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice-Senior General Thiri Pyanchi Maha Thray Sithu Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Thiri Pyanchi Sithu Maung Maung Aye and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Zeya Kyawhtin Sithu Moe Aung and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Zeya Kyawhtin Sithu Tun Aung and wife, union level officials and wives, union ministers and wives, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in- Chief and wives, and officers, other ranks and heirs who would accept honorary medals and certificates.
In his honorary address, the Senior General said every year on 4 January, Tatmadaw gallantry titles/medals and certificates are conferred on soldiers who served the national defence duty brilliantly and courageously in the interest of the nation and people with loving kindness, attachment, and royalty upon one another. It is the duty of every citizen to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes non-disintegration of Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. Good citizens who fought with valour and the spirit to sacrifice life, blood, sweat and limb in shouldering the historic duty are honoured on every Independence Day, which is the auspicious tradition of honouring those who deserve honour and instilling the valuable idea and habit in the minds of new generation youths and soldiers.
As in the past, the powerful colonial countries are still trying to dominate and manipulate the small countries by applying political, economic and social means for their own interest.
First, they use technology and media in sowing seeds of dis trust between the nationalities, and government and people, and people and armed forces. Hence, all the national people including Tatmadaw members must safeguard the national interest with constant awareness.
Based on the lessons learnt from history, Myanmar maintains friendly relations with global countries according to the five principles of peaceful co- existence. The country’s stand- point in international affairs is non-partial, independent and fair and it also embraces equality in its relations with every human and country. Even though the country is adhering to the said policy, there were attempts to threaten its independence and sovereignty. In this regard, the Tatmadaw had to launch many historic battles against the destructive acts in accord with its fine traditions. Soldiers who fearlessly took part in the battles with the conviction “the brave die but once, and with honour” go down in the annals of history as the real heroes.
They will never be forgotten and their names will ever shine.
Today, due to the concepts of multi-faceted warfare, battles are no longer fought only in the jungles, but also in urban areas, making the front lines more spacious. The efforts of the talented people who carry out national defence duties for the benefit of their own people are the achievements that few ordinary women can achieve. The basis of the emergence of such capabilities is true patriotism towards one’s country. The main reserve forces of the Tatmadaw, who are the female family members, have been the guardians of the family honour and the honour of the Tatmadaw in the event of an emergency.
Ceremonies to present honorary degrees/medals and certificates are held at the annual Independence Day celebrations for those who performed their duties at the risk of their lives. Twenty-five gallantry medals, 9 ye Thura medals, 99 ye Bala medals, 14 Management Excellence Medals (first class), 28 Management Excellence Medals (second class), 34 Management Excellence Medals (third class); 3 Social Excellence Medals (first class), 6 Social Excellence Medals (second class), 3 Social Excellence Me dals (third class), 5 Technical Excellence Medals (first class), 10 Technical Excellence Medals (second class), 33 Technical Excellence Medal (third class), 111 gallantry certificates of the Commander-in-Chief of De- fence Services, and 480 honorary certificates of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services are also being awarded at the same time by the relevant re gional commanders on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.
Today, those who have been awarded the honorary medals for their bravery and courage in carrying out their national defense responsibilities have been persistent and have not hesitated to risk their lives. They are those who diligently performed their duties and made a good record, so they will always be remembered and respected as the good martyrs of the people.
The new generations are urged to respect and admire the pure and noble hearts of the good martyrs of the people who served at great risk and sacrifice and on whom the State can rely. They are also urged to make efforts to become good and patriotic Tatmadaw members who are respected and trusted by the public.
After that, the Senior General presented medals to 3 lieutenant colonels, 9 majors, 10 captains, 1 lieutenant and 1 lance corporal who won the gallantry medals of the Commander-in Chief of Defence Services.
Then, the Senior General and his party posed for a group photo together with those present. Afterwards, the Senior General and his party hosted a tea party for the recipients of the honorary medals of the Tatmadaw, and the Myawady band performed dances and songs.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and his party cordially greeted the recipients of the honorary medals.
