Addis Ababa, October 26, 2023 (FBC) – The Government Communication Service (GCS), in a statement it issued upon the 116th Ethiopian National Defense Day, praised the year 1908 as a significant milestone in the history of Ethiopia, referring back to the establishment of the Ethiopian Modern Defense Force.
The 116th National Defense Day marks the establishment of the modern Ethiopian army at the Ministerial level, GCS said, explaining that Ethiopia retains an army that sustained though generational relay and maintained the well-being of the nation.
“Ethiopia retains a national defense force that has sustained itself through generational relay being galvanized by the spirit of bravery and patriotism of the forefathers,” the statement noted.
During its century old history, the national army has sustained the nation, defended sovereignty of the nation, maintained territorial integrity and passed on the nation to this generation with sacrifice of blood and bone, the GCS pointed out.
With limited arms and military trainings, Ethiopian soldiers defeated foreign invaders at the battles of Adwa and Kara Mara and passed a sovereign country to this generation, the statement by GCS says.
Beyond its territories, the Ethiopian army has shown its bravery in the peacekeeping missions in Korea, Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and other countries, the statement says, adding that the army continues to be symbol of gallantry and source of pride for Ethiopians.
The national army is defending national mega projects and fighting against anti-peace elements to restore law and order, according to the statement.
The Government Communication service further called upon all Ethiopians to stand with the National Defense Force, and take the lead from the army by discharging their responsibilities at every activity they are engaged in with courage, diligence and patriotism.
By Wondesen Aregahegn