It is now 60 years since Burma gained independence from Britain on the 4th January 1948. We raised our national flag and our ancestors looked forward to rebuilding the country as an independent nation. 60 years on there is very little to celebrate on this Independence Day when over 50 million people continue to be repressed by the military junta. There have been several major uprisings; 1962, 1974, and 1988, and the most recent peace protest led by monks in September 2007. Each of these uprisings has faced a brutal crackdown by the military government and thousands of people were killed as a result.

It is now 60 years since Burma gained independence from Britain on the 4th January 1948. We raised our national flag and our ancestors looked forward to rebuilding the country as an independent nation. 60 years on there is very little to celebrate on this Independence Day when over 50 million people continue to be repressed by the military junta. There have been several major uprisings; 1962, 1974, and 1988, and the most recent peace protest led by monks in September 2007. Each of these uprisings has faced a brutal crackdown by the military government and thousands of people were killed as a result.

For many Burmese people “Independence” has become meaningless. The dissidents are imprisoned, including our pro-democracy leader and Noble Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Monks and student activists have been detained and tortured, ethic minorities have been killed, and tens of thousands of people have fled to neighbouring countries to escape the military's harsh rule and repression. Despite all of the difficulties and poverty, Burmese people are independent, resourceful and determined to create a peaceful, stable and modern nation. Burma has overcome many setbacks, suffering and buffeting by a host of known and unknown enemies which has made the people stronger. Our people have courage, fortitude and an unbending determination for FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE once more and for real. There is no reason to celebrate Burma's Independence Day, but there are many reasons to fight for freedom.

The Peace Walk & Prayer Service on the 5th January is intended to raise Burma awareness in order to make the world know that BURMA is still suffering from a lack of freedom and basic human rights. We must not forget that over 50 million Burmese people do not have the freedom to walk along street and speak the TRUTH.

It is our responsibility to show solidarity and to use our freedom to support BURMA.