Daraa ,March 18 (SANA) The province of Daraa on Wednesday commemorated the fifteenth anniversary of the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in Daraa al-Balad, the place where the first spark of the uprising ignited and where the first martyrs fell.
The ceremony, held at the Martyrs’ Cemetery, brought together officials, activists, and residents of the province, who expressed pride and gratitude for the sacrifices of the martyrs whose blood paved the way for the struggle to overthrow the criminal regime and achieve freedom.
Governor of Daraa Anwar al-Zoubi said in a statement to SANA that standing on the grounds of the Martyrs’ Cemetery “reminds us of those who confronted the criminal regime and spoke the truth in the face of tyranny. Fifteen years have passed since the barrier of fear was broken in Daraa, followed by a wave of popular support under the slogan ‘Death rather than Humiliation.’ Today, we live the moment of victory, and it is our duty to honor the martyrs’ blood and work collectively to build the state we aspire to.”
Colonel Riyad al-Asaad, a defected officer and founder of the Free Syrian Army, said the Martyrs’ Cemetery “stands as a beacon of pride. The flame that rose from Daraa is the reason for today’s joy, and the long revolutionary journey over the past fourteen years has culminated in this victory.”
Imad al-Masalmeh, a resident of Daraa al-Balad, said the anniversary brings back the emotions of March 18, 2011, the day the revolution began. “Today, at the Tower of the Martyrs, we honor the heroes who prevailed by God’s grace. We congratulate the Syrian people on the end of the era of tyrants and criminals.”
“Today, we live in reassurance and joy, witnessing people participate openly in commemorating this anniversary,” Abdel Mawla al-Hariri, newly elected to the People’s Assembly, said.
Rabee al-Masalmeh, brother of martyr Ali al-Masalmeh, known for the first takbir of the revolution, recalled the early days of the uprising, from gatherings at al-Hamzah Mosque to al-Omari Square and finally to Daraa al-Balad. “Our martyrs’ blood was not shed in vain, and today’s joy is shared by all. We hope to continue building a free and dignified Syria.”
The Syrian revolution began on March 18, 2011, in Daraa al-Balad, when citizens took to the streets in the first peaceful demonstrations demanding freedom and dignity, soon evolving into a nationwide popular movement.
MHD
