Tribute to Fallen Hero, Gen Bior-Aswad Ajang Duot: Farewell, Dearest Class-mate, Bior-Col Ajang Duot
By Atem Garang D. Dekuek, Juba, South Sudan
Saturday, 24 Saturday 2024 (PW) — Dearest Bior-col, we have been together since the day we met in 1959. Today, you are not here! Have you departed eternally, or is it a dreadful nightmare?
In May 1959, sixty-five years ago, I vividly remember, we met on a calm breezeless morning, marred by excitement, anxiety, and wondering. It was our first day to parade, in front of a newly constructed, shining and glittering, buildings of Kongor Primary School. That was our first time to encounter other age-mates children hailing from far, faraway areas, which were beyond the scope of our geographical understanding, children from Maar, Paliau, Duk Payuel, and Duk Padiet Court Centres, speaking Jieng language in strange accents!
The then, newly constructed school buildings, were emitting a scented smell that was unfamiliar to us. We were aged ten years! From then, we rolled on, with days and years punctuated by hope and despair. We spent innocent childhood, fluctuated by happiness and agony, pursued shaky youth wishful-dreams, and we were aspired by adulthood of uncertain-future.
We navigated the darkest days and hardest years of 1961-1968, during which a catastrophic flooding evicted us from our homeland, and destabilized our learning; and the violence of the war of national liberation devastated our peace, that claimed the life of your noble father. But, you navigated through, guided by the will and determination instilled in us by the visionary generation of our fathers.
Dearest Bior-col, the fate destined our generation to execute the war of liberation of our country, and the same fate, decided for us to survive the war. You excelled in executing your liberation role, and earned status of heroism and knighthood. You have excelled fearlessly, and sacrificed selflessly.
But, what stopped your steely heart, and seized your angelic soul in heart of darkness of that fateful night? Victoriously, and proudly you marched out from the war of liberation; crowned with hope of a prosperous free country, have that hope caused the stoppage of your princely heart? How many times, was your life risked during the war, and you survived? Now, was it the time to succumb to the fate judgment to leave without send-off?
During the last ten years, you were, a mere spectator of actors performing on the stage of a country, you immensely contributed to liberate; while those who stood against our quest for independence and freedom of our country were, been adorned and hailed as heroes; did that arrest the pulse of your sainted heart? But, you have fought courageously and bravely, and lived humbly and friendly!
Dearest Bior, from childhood to the day of your departure, I have known your stainless character of nobility, honesty, humility, and knowledgeability. Your calm comforting behaviour, humorous spirit, friendly attitude, compassionate treatment, and politeness were the major traits of your life, and were the magnet that pulled people into your circle, where you used to console them.
You have left, but your legacy will reign in our minds and hearts, to the day we meet in Heaven.
Farewell, dearest class-mate, Bior-col Ajang Duot Bior
In peaceful eternal life, sing together, with host of Angels, and jointly chant, with congregation of Saints.
24th August 2024, Juba.
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