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06 July, 2008
Addis Ababa (ENA) - The National Flag Day, Ethiopia’s historic event, was celebrated colorfully here on Saturday through out the country.
Here in the capital, the Day was celebrated at the Addis Ababa Stadium before tens of thousands of city residents, senior government officials, resident ambassadors and diplomats.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on the occasion hoisted the national flag.
He also bestowed the national flag to each heads of various regional governments, Chief-of-Staff of the National Defense and Representative of the Federal Police.
Police and army brass bands played tunes that added more color to the event. Artists drawn from different theaters have also staged a show.
Addressing the crowd Meles said the conviction Ethiopian made in this special event is a manifestation of commitment to realize the ongoing effort to mitigate poverty and backwardness and show loyalty towards the constitution and national emblem.
He said the day is also a good opportunity for the youth to renew their commitment to ensure the nation’s renaissance.
Meles said the day is also an event where every citizen would vow to realize the vision of making Ethiopia one of middle income economies.
Speaking on his part President Girma Wolde-giorgis said the people of Ethiopia managed to safeguard their sovereignty by closing ranks and paying heavy sacrifices for the honor of their flag.
He further said the national flag is a sign of the symbolic relationship that exists amongst the various regional states.
Speaking for his part Foreign Affairs Minister Seyoum Mesfin said the Flag Day is a momentous national event.
Seyoum, who is also Deputy Chairman of the National Millennium Celebration Secretariat, said the flag is the embodiment of the popular unity that Ethiopian nations and nationalities have forged on the bases of mutual respect, equality, common interest and joint progress.
“This celebration is not only an occasion at which the people of Ethiopia, and more particularly the new generation, will be singing the national anthem as a sign of devotion and honor to their flag. It is also an event at which they will make a pledge to stand together to realize the Ethiopian Renaissance,” he added.
Speakers of the House of Peoples' Representatives and the House of Federation Ambassador Teshome Toga and Degfe Bula respectively spoke of the importance the Flag Day.