My name is Tun Tun and I have been living in ft USA since l999. I am a pro-democracy activist and I try to promote democracy where ever I am in whatever capacity I can.
I want to talk about the upcoming March 27 Revolutionary day in my home country of Burma. I want to call the attention to every one in the Burma Army and Air Force from the upper echelons of the military junta the generals and officers and soldiers of all rank and file and tell them what I feel very deeply in my heart.
I entered the army in 1969 during the reign of General Ne Win and his Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP). I joined the army for personal reasons. Only after I joined the army as I grew up was I conscious of my love and attachment to my country, and its citizens. I understand it in terms of revolution. Since the nation wide demonstrations for democracy known as the 8888 for August 8, 1988, 1 became more interested in the ideas, principles and practice of democracy and democratic values.
May I call for your attention starting from the dictatorial generals to all officers and soldiers of the rank and file. I refer to the last of four oaths uttered by the armed forces once every morning and evening. It is: “I pledge my life for my country, my fellow countrymen, and my army. I think the oath is self-explanatory mid the current situation of my country is very clear for any need to delve any deeper for explanation.
What is happening in my country?
The latest major news is that the country is in the throes of being questioned for its human rights violations and the United Nations is mulling whether the Security Council should take up issue.
What is taking place in my country?
Human rights including freedom of religion association has been violated. Social welfare and economy life at a never before low The people are under the boots of the totalitarian military junta and all kinds of activities are restrained by the unjust laws of the power-mongering generals.
What is happening in the army I love and I used to belong to?
It is now the wrath of the people. It is utterly abhorred by the different nationalities of Burma. It is rated as one of the most oppressive military of otherwise government in the current world.
As I have been part of the army myself, I hope to see the army that I love, the army that I feel part of as the darling of the people. I want the army, which was given birth by the country to be a dutiful son.
Oh Fellow soldiers and current dictatorial generals of the current military; If you are really as loyal as the last of four oaths uttered twice a day, the nation will not have fallen to such a sad state.
I would like to conclude by imploring you oh soldiers and generals of the armed forces to follow in action what you pledge in oath every dawn and dusk. It is not too late for the army to act as our beloved leader and founder of our army, General Aung San and I urge the army to strive to be an army that defends its mother country and citizens.
Thus, oh generals and soldiers of the armed forces; follow the oath to the letter, on this the day we know as the Revolutionary Day.
Tun Tun
Democracy Army Veteran
Democracy Veterans Association