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74th Commemoration of Karen National Martyrs’ Day
August 9 @ 7:00 am - August 10 @ 8:30 pm
The Karen Community of Minnesota (KCM) invites all to the 74th Commemoration of Karen National Martyrs’ Day on Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Significance of Karen Martyrs’ Day
The official Karen Martyrs’ Day is on August 12 and commemorates the anniversary of the death of Saw Ba U Gyi (one of the early leaders of the Karen National Union) in 1950. Others who have fought for the Karen are also honored in remembrance of the Karen resistance.
Karen Martyrs’ Day is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the Karen people and honor the leaders who have guided their struggle for freedom and democracy in Myanmar. It is an upbeat occasion emphasizing togetherness and community health, an opportunity for Karen to pass on traditions to the younger generation. This year we anticipate that 2,000 people will attend the Karen Martyrs’ Day Ceremony, a celebration with music, food for sale, and a resource fair. The event raises awareness about the Karen and brings them together with their neighbors in the broader community. In addition to the ceremony, attendees can enjoy soccer and volleyball tournaments, and the traditional sport cane ball.
The main ceremony will be held Saturday, August 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at:
Hazelwood Park
1663 Country Rd C E
Maplewood, MN 55109
$5 entrance fee for individuals age 11 and up. Children age 10 and under enter for free.
2024 Karen Martyr’s Day Sponsor Registration
Support the 74th Commemoration of Karen Martyr’s Day by sponsoring the event.
Minnesota’s Karen recognize your business as an important asset in our community and would like to invite you to be an official sponsor of this year’s events. We have four sponsorship packages available with benefits:
❖ Bronze: $300 –a tabling spot reserved for your business at the resource fair on August 9th/10th.* (This includes both days). Note: tent will not be provided. You are welcome to bring your own tent up to 10’ x 10’.
❖ Silver: $600 – Bronze benefits plus business name on ceremony program schedule, and KOM website/social media platforms.
❖ Gold: $1,000 – Silver benefits plus recognition at the opening and closing ceremony. Will receive sponsorship recognition plaque.
❖ Platinum: $2,000 – Gold benefits, plus business name and logo printed on the official invitation and welcome to display business banner and speak on the stage.
Please fill out the 2024 Karen Martyr’s Day Sponsor Registration Form online here by Wednesday, July 31st OR print and fill out the form on paper and return with your check to:
Attn: Alexis Walstad
Karen Organization of Minnesota
2353 Rice St., Suite 240
Roseville, MN 55113
All events will be free of charge. As America’s first Karen-led 501c3 nonprofit, KOM is tax-exempt and will provide you with a tax-deductible receipt.
*Sponsors are welcome to table during all hours of the event. We anticipate the highest levels of traffic on Saturday morning and early afternoon during/immediately following the ceremony.
Contact
For questions about the event, please contact Nay Htoo at 651-529-5066 or sawnay@gmail.com.
For questions about payment and registration, please contact Alexis Walstad at 651-202-3120 or awalstad@mnkaren.org.
Karen Community of Minnesota (KCM) is a Karen-led community group that acts as the governing body for the Karen community in Minnesota and helps plan important community events and gatherings.
Event Sponsors
Prodeo Academy
