This is a National Holiday and a day of mourning and to remember that Freedom comes at a extreme price. My teachers , all my employees have the day free to reflect as well as I ,who come to learn that the cost of freedom is and needs to be protected from those who have more power who like to exploit the weak and the helpless and the poor......etc
What is this day you ask?
March 29 is a public holiday in the Republic of Madagascar known as Martyrs' Day. It honors the memory of those who died in the Malagasy Uprising that started on March 29, 1947.
In 1896, Madagascar was annexed by France. The islanders organized a resistance movement, but it was suppressed by the end of 1897. The occupation of France by the Nazis during World War II undermined the authority of the colonial government and accelerated the growth of the new resistance movement.
On March 29, 1947, Malagasy nationalists launched coordinated surprise attacks against French-owned plantations and military bases. The rebellion quickly spread throughout the island. The colonial authorities began to counter the rebels by May 1947. The French troops carried out torture, mass execution, collective punishment, death flights, and war rapes. The estimated number of Malagasy casualties varies from 10,000 to over 100,000.
Madagascar Martyr's Day was established to honor the memory of the victims. It is also referred to as Insurrection Day or Commemoration Day. On this day, the Malagasy government and the citizens of the country remember the patriots who gave their lives fighting for the independence of Madagascar.
https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1867
Martyrs Day Madagascar March 29 2018
For many this is a bridge weekend starting with Martyrs Thursday and for many no work for Friday and Saturday, Plus Easter Sunday and Easter Monday which is the day for celebration after Easter Sunday and Many will also not work on Tuesday which is official or not including many Schools, because rest is needed from the partying on Monday.
So Wednesday the work will try to begin.
As it all begins this year with Martyrs Thursday here are some articles about the history of the this important day towards Freedom, Having google translate may help with the translation of the articles.
https://www.lexpressmada.com/28/03/2018 … r-liberte/
Turning to the past to illuminate the future
The memory of the tragic events of 1947 seems to be fading among the Malagasy at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The majority of our compatriots were born well after and therefore did not feel in their flesh, the sufferings endured by the actors of this uprising. In the current context, it is good to remember what happened because it is our story, and it must inspire the younger generation.
http://www.midi-madagasikara.mg/vision/ … r-lavenir/
