June 20, 2025
Martyrs’ Day: A Tribute to the Heroes
By Simon Weldemikael
Every year on June 20, Eritrea solemnly observes Martyrs’ Day, a national day of remembrance dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The martyrs are both those who sacrificed their lives during the armed struggle for Independence (1961–1991) and those who died defending the sovereignty of the nation after its independence. Their legacy is honored every June 20th through community-driven memorial services, additional financial support for the families of martyrs, and music and poetry recitation that keep their stories alive.Martyrs’ Day in Eritrea is a tribute not only to the fighters who fell in battle but also to the countless civilians—babies, women, and the elderly—who…
