A commemorative event marking the lead up to Maaveerar Naal – or Great Heroes Day - was held in Mannar this week, bringing together more than 150 relatives of fallen fighters to honour the parents and children of fallen Tamil fighters.
The ceremony began at around 10.30 a.m. at the Mannar Town Hall. The atmosphere was deeply emotional as families gathered to remember those who died in the Tamil independence struggle.
The event opened with the lighting of a common flame, followed by floral tributes placed in remembrance of the Maaveerar – or Great Heroes. Many of the attending relatives were moved to tears as they paid their respects.
Clergymen, former fighters, parents of fighters and local residents were among those present. Speakers reflected on the sacrifices made by the cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the collective responsibility to carry forward the struggle for justice and political rights in the Tamil homeland.
Organisers presented honours to the parents and families of the fallen. Saplings were distributed to the parents of fallen fighters as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and continuity, a feature that has become increasingly prominent in commemorations across the North-East.
