Martyrs' Day facts for kids

Martyrs' Day is a special day each year when countries remember and honor brave soldiers and people who gave their lives to protect their nation or for important causes. The exact date for this day can be different in various countries around the world.

Martyrs' Day Around the World

Afghanistan

Martyrs' Day in Afghanistan is usually on September 8 or 9. It remembers Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was killed in 2001. It also honors everyone else who died fighting for Afghanistan.

Armenia

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, also called Armenian Christian Martyr Day, is on April 24 in Armenia. This day remembers the Armenian genocide that happened from 1915 to 1923 in Ottoman Empire Turkey.

Azerbaijan

Martyrs' Day in Azerbaijan is on January 20. It remembers the people who were killed during the Black January events.

Bangladesh

• Language Movement Day, also known as Language Martyrs' Day, is on February 21 in Bangladesh. It celebrates the Bengali language becoming a national language.
• Bengali Genocide Remembrance Day is on March 25 in Bangladesh. It remembers the victims of the Bengali Genocide of 1971. This day started in 2017.
• Martyred Intellectuals Day is on December 14 in Bangladesh. It honors smart people like teachers and writers who were killed by Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War. Many were killed on December 14, 1971.

Burkina Faso

Martyrs' Day, on October 31, honors people who died during the 2015 Burkinabé coup d'état.

Burma

Burmese Martyrs' Day is on July 19. This is the day when nine leaders who fought for Burma's independence were killed in 1947.

China

Martyrs' Day (China) is on September 30, the day before China's National Day. It remembers those who died to protect China's land and its people. The Chinese government created this day in 2014.

Eritrea

Martyrs' Day (Eritrea) is on June 20 every year. It honors the brave heroes who died fighting for Eritrea's freedom.

India

Martyrs' Day (India) is on January 30. This is the day Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was killed in 1948. In the Indian state of Punjab, Martyrs' Day is also on March 23. This day remembers Bhagat Singh, who died in 1931.

On January 30, important leaders like the president and prime minister gather at a memorial. They place flowers and remember the heroes. A two-minute silence is observed across the country at 11 AM to honor all Indian martyrs.

Lebanon

Martyrs' Day (Lebanon and Syria) remembers Lebanese and Syrian people who were executed in Beirut on May 6, 1916, by the Ottoman rulers. It also honors those who died during the Lebanese civil war from 1975 to 1990.

Libya

September 16 is Martyrs' Day in Libya. It remembers Libyans who were killed or forced to leave their homes under Italian rule. It also honors those who died in the February 17 revolution.

Madagascar

Martyrs' Day is on March 29 every year. It remembers the start of the Malagasy Uprising in 1947.

Malawi

In Malawi, Martyrs' Day is on March 3. It honors political heroes who died fighting against British rule.

Malaysia

Warriors' Day (Malay: Hari Pahlawan) is a day in Malaysia that remembers soldiers who died in the two World Wars and the Malayan Emergency. It also honors all people who died while serving their country throughout Malaysia's history.

Mali

Martyrs' Day or Democracy Day is on March 26. It honors the people who died during the 1991 Malian coup d'état.

Mizoram (India)

Martyrs' Day is on September 20. It is observed by the MNF.

Nepal

In Nepal, Martyrs' Day (Nepali: शहीद दिवस) is on Magh 16 of the Vikram Samvat calendar. This month is usually in January or February.

A Martyr (Nepali: शहिद; Shahid) in Nepal is someone who was killed while working for the good of the country or society. This term was first used for people who died fighting against the Rana Regime, which ruled the Kingdom of Nepal from 1846 to 1951. Lakhan Thapa is considered the first martyr of Nepal.

Pakistan

Martyrs' Day (Pakistan), also called Youm-e-Shuda, is a holiday on April 30. It honors Pakistani military members who died serving their country.

Panama

Martyrs' Day (Panama) is a holiday in Panama. It remembers the riots on January 9, 1964, about who controlled the Panama Canal Zone.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Dia dos Mártires da Liberdade is on February 3. It remembers the Batepá massacre of 1953.

South Sudan

July 30 is Martyr's Day in South Sudan. John Garang de Mabior led the Sudan People's Liberation Army during the Second Sudanese Civil War. After a peace agreement, he became the First Vice President of Sudan for a short time. He died in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005. Even though it was never proven that someone caused his death, July 30 is still marked as Martyr's Day in South Sudan.

Syria

Martyrs' Day (Lebanon and Syria) remembers Syrian people who were executed in Damascus on May 6, 1916, by the Ottoman rulers.

Togo

June 21 is Martyrs' Day in Togo. This day honors everyone who fought for Togo's freedom. It is celebrated with a military parade in Lomé.

Tunisia

April 9 is Martyr's Day. It remembers Tunisians who were killed in 1938.

Turkey

March 18 is Martyrs' Day in Turkey. It remembers Turkish soldiers who died in battle. Ottoman forces defeated a naval attack by the Allied Powers during World War I on March 18, 1915, in the Gallipoli Campaign.

Vietnam

Memorial Day for War Martyrs is on July 27 in Vietnam.

Uganda

In Uganda, Martyrs' Day is on June 3. It mainly honors the Uganda Martyrs. These were Christian people who were killed for their religion in Uganda's biggest kingdom, Buganda, in the late 1880s.

United Arab Emirates

Martyrs' Day (United Arab Emirates), also known as Commemoration Day (United Arab Emirates), is on November 30 each year. It honors the brave Emirati martyrs who gave their lives in the UAE and other countries while serving in civil, military, and humanitarian roles.