THE FIRST KAREN NATIONAL DAY
OUR LEADER'S MESSAGE
IN 1939

Today we recall our heritage, our ancient poet, prophets and our tradition of Ywa (God). We believe that every individual, every home, every village has a place in the new advance. Progressive in thinking, constructive in planning, and courageous in living, we can share responsibility with other communities for the making of Burma a united people. 
 

This is a historic day. It is our first officially recognized National Day. It is a day of opportunity. We are emerging from isolation into the stream of national affairs. Our conviction is that our two million Karen have a significant part to play in Burma's destiny. 

We owe our existence as people as a people not to organization or any political arrangements but to certain distinctive qualities that have been given us. Our traits include simplicity, a love of music, honesty, steadiness, and sense of God. We believe that we can best keep and develop these characteristics in free association with other people. 

We are at a crisis. For us the choice lies between seeking protection through isolation, or adventure through active participation in the live of Burma. United ourselves, we could help to make Burma a nation. We recognize that as leaders we must be fully committed to our country free from fear, personal ambition, racial and religious prejudice. 

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