Fascist Italians had been determined to wash away the 1896 defeat at the battle of Adwa-a victory that sparked the light to all the downtrodden people across Africa and the entire world to unshackle the yolk of oppression.
As a futile attempt to “reverse” this truth, fascist Italy had invaded Ethiopia and occupied a few parts of the country including major towns from 1935-1941. However, those five years were not a bed of roses. Ethiopians had been courageously fighting the force with all the means and with all the will they had.
The united operation had given the invaders a hard time. The attempt on the life of Marshal Rodolfo Graziani on 19 February 1937 by two young Ethiopians- Abraham Deboch and Moges Asgedom and another patriot, Simeyon Adefres, who collaborated with them and the brutal reprisal taken by Graziani against innocent civilians, remains fresh and alive in the collective memories of all Ethiopians.
Following this attempt, thousands of innocent Ethiopians were massacred and imprisoned at the hands of fascist soldiers. But this inhumane action of Graziani did not prevent Ethiopians from fighting for their freedom.
Throughout those five years, colonialists had attempted to break the will and determination of Ethiopians but the people never remained submissive. With all the differences on various lines, Ethiopians have accustomed to standing together against their common traitors and defended their motherland.
The marking of the Day also sounds the bell that Ethiopians should not forget the sacrifices paid by their forefathers and foremothers. Their blood is still calling for unity.
The blood of those martyrs was not splashed without reason. They have sacrificed their priceless life to hand down a strong and unified Ethiopia. With all their difference, Ethiopians were able to drive out the invading force. This is an era where colonizers or fascists will not threaten our sovereignty. It is an era where Ethiopia needs her children to scarify divisive interests for the sake of their country.
The Ethiopian Herald Friday Edition, February 21/2020
