"Burma?s Armed Forces Day now has a new meaning, different from that envisaged by founding father Aung San and his comrades who took an oath in blood in 1941 It was a crucial meeting. Young Burmese men were on a high as they talked enthusiastically about freeing their homeland from its colonial yoke. They all drew blood from their arms and drank it in an oath of loyalty... This is not fiction, but an historic milestone in Burma?s modern political history...Burma?s armed forces now claim that they remain ?the only institution that has discipline, loyalty, unity and deep commitment to protect the sovereignty and independence of the country.? Founding father Aung San would have rejected such a view. Today?s military leaders appear intent on maintaining their grip on the country, while paying lip-service to democratic reform in the future. Aung San wanted the armed forces to be an honorable institution, incorrupt, driven by self-sacrifice and self-discipline dedicated to serving the country. Many ordinary Burmese remember the founding father?s words: ?There are others who are not soldiers who have suffered and made all kinds of sacrifices for their country. You must change this notion that only the soldiers matter..."