U.S. Senator Todd Young, Congressman Andre Carson, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett Spoke at 74th Union Day of Myanmar

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 12, 2021— Today marks the 74th Anniversary of the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947 in Myanmar (also known as Burma) that facilitated the formation of the Union of Myanmar. For the fifth year, the Myanmar communities residing in Indianapolis are joining the people of Myanmar and those in the diaspora around the world in honoring this historic political achievement for Myanmar and its people.

Our distinguished speakers Senator Young, Congressman Andre Carson, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett all delivered remarks focusing on the events unfolding in the Southeast Asian nation, in particular the military coup in Myanmar.

On February 5, 2021, Senator Young led the introduction of the Senate Bill on Burma which calls on the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense to immediately take all steps necessary to end the military coup in Myanmar.

In addition, the leadership of the convening committee of the Union Day and the BACI provided updates on the latest developments in the country and the initiatives being undertaken in support of the people of Myanmar and democracy there.

The following is the text of remarks by U.S. Senator Todd Young, U.S. Congressman André Carson, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

Message from Senator Todd Young

Hello, I’m Senator Todd Young. Thank you for inviting me to speak during the 74th Union Day celebration. With Indiana being the new home for thousands of Burmese refugees, the Burmese American Community is an important part of the fabric of our state. Like so many around the world I was happy to see Burma’s people enthusiastically vote and participate in free, fair and credible elections last November. That’s why I was heartbroken by recent events in Burma.

The military has continued their corrupt actions that undermine political reforms, inflict pain on the Rohingya and other minorities, and remain a significant obstacle to democracy. The military must respect the democratic process and it must respect the Burmese people’s aspirations to rule themselves, rather than be ruled by force.

So, I call on Burma’s military to release the democratically elected civilian leaders of the country and reverse course. All democracies around the world should join me in condemning this authoritarian assault. I’ll continue to stand with the people of Burma, both those in Indiana and around the globe, in the journey toward democracy.

I stand ready to work with the Biden administration to stop those who seek to undermine the cause of peace and democracy and I remain committed to helping the Burmese people achieve the goals of the Panglong agreement. The crisis in Burma remains a priority for me and I believe that together we can bring real change. Thank you.

Message from Congressman André Carson

Hello, this is Congressman Andre Carson. I’m honored to take part in the 74th Myanmar Union Celebration. I also want to thank the Burmese American Community Institute for all of it’s great work.

You know, Indianapolis has been enriched by one of the largest Burmese-American communities in our country and I’ll continue to strongly support your efforts to better our community and achieve the American dream.

One thing that makes this country so great is our commitment to democracy; that was just threatened, just a few weeks ago, during the attack on our United States capital. Now, an attack on a democratically elected government has happened in Myanmar. I stand with you in the fight to oppose this violent overthrow. Democracy is very fragile and we have to protect it wherever it’s threatened, by standing up for the rule of law, fighting disinformation, and much more.

Together we will overcome challenges and create a better society for all Burmese-Americans. Thank you all.

Message from Mayor Joe Hogsett

Good evening. This is Indianapolis Mayor, Joe Hogsett. I am honored to be able to attend this virtual celebration of Myanmar Union Day. That we cannot gather in person, it’s perhaps more important than ever that our city recognize this historic day.

As a diverse city of nearly a million people, we must champion celebrations like Myanmar Union Day, an event that recognizes diversity here at home while promoting a tradition of democracy abroad. This year that tradition has been threatened in Myanmar. I join US officials and the Burmese American Community Institute in condemnation of this threat. I hope that a universal rejection of the military coup will bring a swift and peaceful return of democratically elected officials in the leadership.

In the meantime, I am grateful that the Burmese community in our city have groups like The BACI, groups they can rely on for fellowship and strength in challenging times.

Finally, to all of our immigrant and US born Burmese American neighbors: Thank you for choosing to make Indianapolis your home.