Yirol Liberation Day – Saturday, 14 June 1997: Tributes to Our Fallen Comrades and Martyrs
June 14, 1997: The Day Yirol Fell to the SPLM/SPLA under the Command of CDR Oyai Deng Ajak and CDR Pieng Deng Kuol – Tributes to the Fallen Comrades and Martyrs of the Liberation Struggle
By Gad Abraham Majak Makur, Juba, South Sudan
Sunday, June 15, 2019 (PW) — June 14th, 1997, was the day Yirol fell to the SPLA, under the overall command of the CDR Oyai Deng Ajak, and CDR Pieng Deng Kuol and several other commanders, among them were: Cdr Deng Monydit Mon, Cdr. Anyar Anyar, Cdr Gier Chuang Aluong, Cdr. Daniel Ayual Makoi, Cdr. Mangar Buong Aluenge, Cdr. Matur Chuot Dhuol, who I was with in his base following A/Cdr. Thuc Lual’s demise, just to mention the few.
The operations under the Operations Deng Nhial (ODN) Campaign, captured Yirol garrison with serious casualties and later on, after ten days of reorganization of the forces went and assaulted Tali garrison under the command of A/Cdr. Thuc Lual Aleth.
A/Cdr. Thuc Lual fell at evening of 27th of June, 1997, along with 72 others. It was very unfortunate, when the current CDF of the SSPDF, Gen. Jok Riak, who was by then alternate commander (A/Cdr) in charge of armour tanks, informed him of the enemy being far away, which could hamper the entrance of the tanks to the enemy shooting line.
A/Cdr. Thuc Lual, in his calm and brave appearance stood up, despite the pleading cautions by the junior officers went to shooting line and on reaching, Mundri-Tali road, a shell from Hawn 120 mm fell on skull, destroying his entire upper-body, his AKM 47 and 77 radio communication which he was using to command the attacking forces were to no-debris destroyed.
As a close relatives, I didn’t know A/Cdr. Thuc Lual, was killed, only to be informed by 2nd Lt. Mayor Deng Hot, who was an MI officer at the forefront. Lt. Mayor used to be the chief of reconnoitre before the enemies’ garrisons were to be attacked.
Several officers, NCOs and Men were injured, among the few to recall were Brig. General. Magok Achuoth and Late 1st Lt. Amou Lual, among others.
On this historic day, I am determined to recall it and one should at least put something on paper or found at least a ground in memory of these great souls. Some of these great men who left leadership vacuum in our midst – would have benefitted us from their leadership and service as a nation and a community in particular.
Most of our heroes and heroines who shed their blood for the liberation of this country and its independence ought to be remembered and something done in their names.
I remember when Gen. Mangar Buong Aluenge, was outlining plans on how to remember our fallen heroes and by doing this, he said that, “the streets of our cities, schools in both rural and urban areas and roads at whatever level of our structures be named or renamed in memory of our heroes and heroines, for their blood cemented our national foundation”.
In line with these suggestions – I am going to put foundation stones of the following memorial schools:
1. Paul Mabor Aliab Memorial Secondary School in Geng-Geng County under the theme: “Learn to Lead and Serve”,
2. Thuc Lual Aleth Memorial Primary School, under the theme: “Education for Planting Heroes and Heroines of Tomorrow”.
With this vision, I believe, we can inspire the world and the contemporary generations and generations to come!
In my humble opinion, the 14th June 1997, and of every year, should be locally celebrated to remember the fallen heroes and heroines of Yirol garrison, and all our national heroes, heroines and those who contributed to the revolutionary struggle across South Sudan as a whole.
Heroes never die, you are our burning spears and continuous inspiration for our generations!
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