State Counselor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sent a statement to the 73rd Anniversary of the Mon National Day celebrated on the 1st Waning of Tabodwe which occurred on February 9.

Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Nai Thet Lwin read the message which in part said, “as all know, the government is working hard to promote national reconciliation and domestic peace in political negotiations, which are the factors to end internal armed conflicts and to implement genuine peace.”

The statement also pointed out the government believes that democracy and equality rights, as well as self-determination rights, which are the dream of the ethnic nationalities, will become true.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s message stated that “the story of the Mon heroes such as “La-Gon Ein,” who was virtuous and faithful has been taught in literature books so that the young generation can look up [as a role model].”

Throughout the history of Burma’s Independence, Mon leaders have joined with other ethic leaders in the revolution, according to General Min Aung Hlaing’s message.

“Today’s event is intended to raise awareness of the origin of Mon people and to promote Mon culture and literature,” the Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye in his speech at the 73rd MND ceremony.

He added that the Mon people have a great history. They are one of the first ethnicities to arrive in Myanmar.

During a Mon National Conference held in Pa Nga village in 1946, it was decided to hold an annual Mon National Day celebration to commemorate the founding of the last Mon kingdom known as Hongsawator, or Pegu, which was founded in 1116 Buddhist Era (573 A.D.) on the 1st Waning of Tabodwe (month).

The 73rd celebration of Mon National Day was held near the Mon State Hluttaw in Mawlamyine in Mon State. The event was attended by nearly 10,000 participants, including Mon Famous Monks, State government officials, representatives of the Mon Hluttaw, Mon leaders and people from different regions, as well as a youth drum and marching group.