Citizens in Yei River joined the rest of the 78 counties of the Republic of South Sudan in commemoration of Martyrs Day.
Commissioner Juma David Augustine told the crowd that gathered at Freedom Square that the fallen heroes and heroines did not die in vain but for the sake of all citizens of the country, Radio Easter reported.He said the souls of the heroes and heroines are shining in South Sudan since Anyanya One.
In a concluding prayer, the commissioner asked the Lord to guide all the leaders in the process of nation building, avoid ethnic conflict and become reconciled citizens in the new nation.
Martyrs Day falls on the day Dr John Garang died on a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005.
The occasion was conducted at Yei Freedom Square.
Government officials, church leaders, religious groups and many other citizens attended the celebration.