BY: GIZAW YALEW

Ethiopia Celebrates National Flag Day

Addis Ababa (05/7/2008)-The Ethiopia National Flag Day was celebrated for the first time across the nation on Saturday, July 5/2008.

The event was staged colorfully here in Addis at the Addis Ababa Stadium President of the FDRE Girma Wolde Giorgis, Prime Minster Meles Zenawi, Speakers of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of the Federation, Presidents of all regional state governments, Ministers, Ambassadors, Religious Leaders and more than thirty thousand city residents have attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion president Girma said, “We have to work hard to show the respect that we have to our flag.”

Prime Minster Meless on his part said that we have to honor those patriots, Martyrs and veteran soldiers as we are celebrating this historical event.

Meless added that the National Flag Day is the day by which we express our loyalty to our flag and vow to realize the country’s renaissance.

Speaker of the House of the Federation, Degife Bula on his part said that, the existing national flag and anthem differ from the previous flags and anthem for the latter reflects the equality of nations and nationalities and religious equality which is being observed in today’s Ethiopia.

Ambasador Teshome Toga, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ representatives disclosed the parliament’s plan to endorse a new bill on the proper use of the colors and symbols of the flag. The new bill will be ratified as of next year.   

Foreign Minster and Deputy Chairman of the Millennium Festivals Celebration National Council Secretariat, Seyoum Mesfin in his part said “respect for the flag could only be demonstrated by the efforts that we exert to fight poverty and ensure good governance”

Seyoum pass his gratitude to the sole sponsor of the event, Ayalew Tesema, chairman of the Board of Directors of Ayat Share Company.

Prime Minister Meless, poised the National flag while the Defense Force Brass Band together with the mass sang the national anthem passionately. Then after, Meless handed over the National flag to all presidents of the regional states and to the chief of staffs, General Samora Yenus and to the Federal Police Commission Commissioner.

The mass take an oath for the national flag and anthem lead by President of the Supreme Court, Kemal Bedri.

<< Back to Home >>