MON NATIONAL DAY IN NORTH AMERICA

(By Kun Yekha)

The Mons in Fort Wayne celebrated 57th Mon National Day in the evening on February 7 where more than four hundred people crowded into the Sunset Hall of Southern Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For the Mon community here, the event is most exciting; with a united will to show their national pride.  They seemed eager and active for the participation to preserve their identity as a nation with a rich culture that once established kingdom and sovereignty. 

The well-organized celebration attracted diverse nationalities of Laotian, Siri Lankan, Vietnamese, Burmese, Karen, Shan and many Americans.  There was a high sense of energy and passion; the ceremony was quite lively with merrymaking; featuring portraits and cooperation.  Ushers were busy with guiding the guests to the seats and people were graciously served.

At the entrance of Sunset Hall, the people were signing up at the reception desk, viewing photos of Monland Restoration Council, buying Mon CDs and shirts that featured the national symbol, and picking up information papers.

On the right side to the entrance, a portrait of Mon Phoe Cho, a founder of Mon national movement and lecturer at Rangoon University who taught Burma’s independence leader General Aung San,  was displayed on the wall.  An artist Nai Aung Sein offered this portrait for this event painted by him.

The stage was colorfully lit; set in the background on the back wall was the large banner that read "The 57th Anniversary Mon National Day".  2 MCs Nai Janu Mitta and Mi Sike Pakkao announced the agendas both in English and Mon to the audience.  A group led by Nai Taing Waeng marched to the front of the stage, proudly holding up the national flag which commenced the celebration. All people stood up to salute the flag and, sang the Mon and American National Anthems. The chorus of "Reh Ni Gom" National Anthem filled up the hall when they hoisted up the Mon flag gradually.

Nai Sike, the President of convening committee, explained the aim of MND followed by Nai Htira Rama’s welcoming message.  A statement was read by Mi Aye Mon in the Mon language.  The information committee was busy with cameras and computers while Mon community leader Nai Banyadean talked to the local media about the event.

 "We have prepared for four months for this occasion" said Nai Mon Chai while serving food to the guests.  The audiences were silent when Mi Non Htaw performed solo dance (Tarlayine Moa), the popular "candle dance" (Leeh-kwai Pamoot-panaing) and "Pagan Period dance" (Leeh Khit Bakarm).

The beautiful dancers performed gracefully in unison and were gratefully applauded several times.  Mon traditional foods were served in twenty-minute intervals.  "I like the food even though it’s a bit spicy", said an American guest.

Kenneth A. Rogers, Associate Dean and Director of International Service of Bloomington University, delivered a keynote speech.  He lived in Moulmein for years and is quite familiar with the Mon people, history, and culture. "I was able to acquire some valuable insights and understandings that today continue to inform and guide my efforts on behalf of exiles from Burma who share a common dream of returning to the land of their birth and shaping its future development," said Mr. Rogers.

Tommy Shoupe, a representative of Congressman Mark Souder, and Mr. Federick C. Gilbert, a social worker, who help refugees from Burma also gave speeches.  Mr. Gilbert in Mon national dress was greeting "Mangay Ra Awl" in the Mon language.  "I want to thank the Fort Wayne Mon Community for its service, leadership and maturity in becoming one of the world powers in the struggle for peace and freedom in Burma." said Mr. Gilbert in his introduction speech.

While Modern Mon Music (M3) led by Nai Ku Marn and Nai Kao Chan later entertained the guests with Mon modern songs, children, men and women came to the front and danced together.

The Mons from Ohio, Illinois and Chicago also traveled to Fort Wane to participate in this auspicious occasion. "I joined the event every year since it’s not only important to us but it’s enjoyable and brings us more solidarity", said Ms. Lawe Nyan who came from Chicago.

In Calgary, Canada, the Mon community organized the similar event in the evening on February 15 where two hundred supporters and friends attended.

The long and exciting program started from 6 p.m. until midnight with cultural performance, food, speeches and Karaoke music.  Alberta MLA Hon. Wane Cao, Amnesty International (University of Calgary), Medical Mercy of Canada, Result Canada, Tibet, Chin and Khmer community leaders delivered speeches at the gathering.

As they do every year, Mon from Vancouver and Edmonton traveled to Calgary to join in the auspicious occasion with members of Mon Women Organization and Mon Cultural Society in Calgary.