Myanmar Union Day Anniversary Calls for Unity, Seeks U.S. Support

‘Union Day of Burma’ Event in the U.S. calls for Unity, to End Violence in Ethnic Minority Areas, U.S. Support for Myanmar’s Democratic Transition and Constitutional Reform

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 12, 2019 — Myanmar communities in Indianapolis celebrated the 72nd Myanmar Union Day, honoring the signing of the Panglong Agreement on Feb 12, 1947, a historic meeting after World War II forming the Union of Burma, with equal rights and privileges guaranteed to all ethnic groups in the country. Held at the University of Indianapolis, the event was attended by over 300 members of the community, including publicly elected officials, dignitaries, academia, and civil society leaders.

In his keynote address, Indiana Senator Jack Sandlin commanded the Burmese-Americans for their leadership in assisting and leading the community members in becoming integrated and productive citizens of the society, and their creative approach to replicate the American ideals and democratic values for Myanmar.

Senator Jack Sandlin

“I was really struck by the depth of commitment…and the great desire of [the leadership of BACI] to integrate into the community,” said Sen. Sandlin.

The meeting of the British and several ethnic groups in the town of Panglong after World War II led to independence for the former colony and the creation of the Union of Burma. Union Day is widely viewed by major ethnic groups of Myanmar as a day of unity based on the principles of federalist democracy and equality.

Dr. Ro Ding, Chairman of BACI, reminded the audience that it is not only meaningful to observe the Panglong spirit, but also important to celebrate unity among the ethnic groups of Myanmar.

Jodie Farise, Associate Provost for International Engagement at the University of Indianapolis, congratulated BACI in her opening remarks by saying, “BACI leadership and your community members seem to view every challenge as just an opportunity and through strategic partnerships that benefit everybody involved, those opportunities are turning into lives changed and are resulting in a thriving community.”

“Over the years I have developed a deep appreciation and affection for this community, and I can say on behalf of our entire university that our partnership and our relationship in this community is something that we treasure.”

Ms. Jodie Farise & Dr. Ro Ding

The Indianapolis event provides an opportunity for the Myanmar diaspora in the U.S. and their American friends to engage and show of support for the Myanmar government’s National Reconciliation and Peace Process—also known as 21 st Century Panglong—that began in Myanmar in August 2016. Set for a fourth meeting in 2019, the conference aims to reach a nationwide ceasefire agreement between the military and ethnic armed organizations, initiate a framework for political dialogue, and undertake constitutional and institutional reforms for a country that has been ravaged by civil war and poverty for more than half a century.

U.S. Senator Mike Braun and Congressman Andre Carson sent congressional recognition to the event designed to promote unity among Myanmar ethnic groups, newcomer integration into U.S. society, strengthening of U.S.-Myanmar ties, and supporting peace and democratic reforms in Myanmar.

Senator Todd Young , who also serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, in his video address, said that Union Day is important because it “seeks to create a country where all of Burma’s ethnic groups are treated equally and fairly” and cautioned that it may require a long-term commitment towards achieving these goals, by saying that it is “still a long road ahead.” He reassures that he is committed to representing the voice of the Burmese-American in “helping the Burmese people achieve the goals of Panglong Agreement, …the crisis in Burma remains a priority for me, and I believe by working with you and my colleagues in Washington D.C., we can help bring real change to help the Burmese people.”

Stressing unity in purpose, BACI Executive Director Elaisa Vahnie said, “At this special occasion, we express our appreciation of the historic political achievement of all who have come before us, and we renew our call on all parties both inside and outside Myanmar to fully recognize and honor the principles and spirit rooted in the Panglong Agreement.”

“Trusting each other, full participation in the peace process, the courage to enter the peace agreement as part of the Union Peace process led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on the basis of unity in purpose—the purpose to move forward and reach the aspired and the common political goals of Myanmar will require vision, courage, and leadership.”

The Union Day statement released by the convening committee underscores the enormous challenges the country faces, compounded by the unfortunate events of the ongoing Rakhaine crisis and the continuing armed conflicts in many parts of the country, including in Chin State and Northeastern regions, and calls for the U.S. Government to redouble its supports for democratic transition and humanitarian aid.

The event featured special speeches, cultural dances, ethnic fashion, and music performed by various ethnic groups of Myanmar. The event was also attended by representatives from Perry Township Schools, the University of Indianapolis, Indiana University Bloomington, the Korean American Association of Indiana, Immigrant Welcome Center, AMECA, Asian American Alliance and other partner organizations.