Addis Ababa, October 16, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopians at home and abroad marked the 16th National Flag Day under the theme “The Prestige of Our Flag: Guarantee for Unity and Sovereignty” with various events across the nation.
In her remarks on the celebration held at the House of Peoples Representatives, President Sahle-Work noted: “Our National Flag is the hallmark of epic, freedom sovereignty and sacrifices paid by our forefathers and foremothers,”
Forefathers and foremothers paid a huge sacrifice to preserve the freedom and unity of Ethiopia, the President underscored, calling all Ethiopians to give due respect for the national flag anywhere and anytime.
She stressed the need to teach the children and the youth on how to maintain love and respect for the national flag.
Apart from the President, the Speaker of the House of Peoples Representatives, Tagesse Chafo and the Speaker of the House of Federation, Agegnehu Teshager in tandem with members of the Ethiopian Patriots Association and other high level officials have attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the FDRE Government Communication Service (GCS) noted that Ethiopians shall be gathered in harmony under the parasol of the nation’s flag and uphold the unity of their country.
According to GCS, the Ethiopian national flag is the symbol of sovereignty, the emblem of freedom and the embodiment of glory.
“The flag of Ethiopia is the symbol of our sovereignty, the emblem of our freedom and the embodiment of our glory. It has been passed down from generation to generation by the blood of our brave ancestors. It is an emblem of victory that is the result of their sacrifice as well as the crucifix of their bones,” the GCS statement asserted.
The brave Ethiopians have sacrificed together for the love and honor of the flag to protect the sovereignty of Ethiopia, strengthen the freedom and dignity of the people.
Therefore, the flag of Ethiopia reflects the sacrifices made for the sovereignty and national unity, GCS said, adding “Our flag, which is a symbol of our country’s sovereignty, has remained strong because of the sacrifices made by Ethiopians in unity.”
“When we celebrate this year’s National Flag Day, we should consider that our national unity is our sovereignty and the guarantee of our existence.”
When our national unity is strengthened, Ethiopia’s sovereignty will stand on a firm foundation as well as the Ethiopian flag will be honored.
All Ethiopians should demonstrate the respect and love for the country’s flag by participating in events that can protect national unity and sovereignty, the service urged.
“We have to prove that we stand guard for our flag by respecting those who make sacrifices to ensure the peace and development of their country.”
Moreover, the 16th National Flag Day was also observed in embassies and missions of Ethiopia stationed across the planet.
It is known that Ethiopia annually celebrates Flag Day on the first Monday of October of its calendar.