They are Alive

Eritreans in Washington, D.C. commemorating Martyrs Day

They are Alive


On a beautiful weathered-day capped by a sunset that welcomed the night

On warm bright night

As if dancing in-joy, for the glory of the night

The candles danced as they gave light  



Soft cottony white clouds floating beneath blue fading sky  

Embracing bright shining stars that mimicked the candles lights

Embracing a nation, her people



Sitting huddled, in focus

Facing big-brown stage, sitting with families, friends

Decor to honor, in honor for the memories 



Candles abound-cuddling pictures

Hugging pictures of the fallen, heroes

Honoring the dignified, with dignity, solemnly  

In the city, historic city

Adding glory to a glorious city

Embracing-owning the landmarks 

Glorifying Washington’s monuments



Huddled, as they experienced solemn moments

Remembering and honoring the glorious

Reading poems

Singing Songs

Re-living lives lived

Echoing values they espoused

Carrying symbols, portraits and pictures

In unison,

Adorned with flags, uniform and shirts

Walked the path, miles of meandering lines

 In the dark, holding candles

In remembrance, with a slogan that echoed

They Are ALIVE



Awetnayu@hotmail.com

Amanuel Biedemariam






On Friday June 20, Eritreans residents of the Metro DC area gathered to observe Eritrean Martyr’s Day at Sylvan Auditorium in Washington DC. The auditorium is located under the historic landmark Washington Monument. The seating is a huge expanse of the Washington Monument grounds nestled in the midst of Washington’s historic landmarks that embrace World War II and Jefferson Memorial grounds that make for a beautiful backdrop for the solemn occasion.

It was mesmerizing to watch the size and the manner in which the attendees conducted the commemoration. It was serene, historic and educational as the poets streamed to explain Eritrea’s history and the significance of June 20 to Eritrea. Noting that Eritrea celebrated Independence Day just weeks before Martyr’s Day, they asked the question what comes first, what should come first.  

The organization, the continuous talent that flooded to express gratitude for the Martyrs and the language used was expression to the living legacy of Eritrea’s heroes. It was evidence that Eritrea will keep the legacy alive by nurturing, in deed, by supporting their families and hoisting the flag that flies in their honor. It was a show of unwavering commitment to see children honoring the fallen.

The long meandering lines of Eritreans that stretched for miles as they held candles walking in the midst of  the beautiful Washington night was a moment that is seared in memories of  all the participants. It was glorious and fitting tribute.

As we walked in line, a young lady dressed the Eritrean flag had the picture of the famous Eritrean Martyr with a gun-smiling with letters in Tigrigna that read ‘Huluw Ikha,” meaning You Are Alive. That captured the imagination and tried to capture it in this poem. Hopefully I it.  

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