Asmara: Eritrean nationals in the United States, Trkiye, and Saudi Arabia have commemorated Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. They also extended monetary contributions towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund and supporting families of martyrs.
According to African Press Organization, nationals residing in Las Vegas, the US, marked Martyrs Day on June 17 with various programs and contributed $33,000 to the National Martyrs Trust Fund. In Trkiye, Eritreans gathered in Istanbul for a candlelight vigil and cultural presentations to honor the day.
Mr. Muhiedin Mohammed, Eritrea's Honorary Consul, emphasized that Martyrs Day is a time for nationals to remember those who laid the foundation for their peaceful living and pride, and to renew their commitment to transferring the history of the Eritrean people to future generations.
Similarly, in Jeddah and surrounding areas, Eritreans participated in a candlelight vigil and cultural programs. Nationals there have supported 1,902 families of martyrs and have pledged to assist an additional 80 families. The National Union of Eritrean Women contributed 3,105 Riyals to the National Martyrs Trust Fund.
In Riyadh, a commemoration event was held at the Eritrean Embassy, where Ms. Weini Gerezgiher, Charg© d'Affaires at the Embassy, and Mr. Tesfay Tekle, chairman of the Eritrean community, called for strengthened participation in national affairs. Over the past 22 years, nationals in Riyadh have supported over 3,580 families of martyrs, with organizations and individuals pledging to support 52 more families and contributing 19,773 Riyals.
In related developments, over 21,000 Nakfa contributed by students of Dekemhare and Bana high schools in the Dekemhare sub-zone was distributed to families of martyrs. Students and lecturers of Adi-Keih College of Education and Languages contributed 58,000 Nakfa, and members of the former 16/70 Division conducted programs and provided financial support to families of martyrs.