BY DARGIE KAHSAY
The 127th Victory of Adwa was commemorated colorfully on the 2nd of March (Yekatit 23rd), this week across Ethiopia. On the 1st of March 1896, Ethiopia defeated the colonial Italy at the Battle of Adwa, which was a landmark victory by an African country against the colonial and developed European country.
Ethiopians from all corners of the country led by the then Emperor of Ethiopia, Emperor Menelik-II gathered at Adwa to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and pride of their country from external colonial aggressor. The battle of Adwa of March 1, 1896 was a super victory for Ethiopia and the black people against a colonial country.
Victory of Adwa was not a simply a battle field victory. It was a game changer in the history of colonialism that changed the previous mentality across the planet. Adwa not only keeps Ethiopia un-colonized country ever, but also initiated and inspired all Africans to stand for freedom and to break the yoke of colonialism.
Adwa declares equality, freedom and pride of people. It kills the appetite of colonizers and inspired the appetite of freedom fighters. It promotes freedom, equality and dignity of all people without any racial or color discrimination. Adwa was a disaster for Italy and for those powers with colonial thinking.
To respect the sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the martyrs, heroes and heroines at Adwa, Ethiopia annually commemorates the event with different activities across the country. This year, on March 1st Ethiopia commemorated the 127th victory day by different activities. Some fascinating pictures taken during the commemoration day are displayed with captions.
The 127th Anniversary of Victory of Adwa was celebrated throughout the country under the theme ‘unity, bravery and endurance’. Military parades by security forces and displays of heavy weapons and an air show were presented on the occasion at Meskel Square.
Military parade to honor Adwa victory
This year’s commemoration of Adwa Victory was led by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) for the first time following the decision of the federal government. The Ethiopian Government decided ENDF to take the responsibility to commemorate Adwa Victory annually.
Following the decision, the ENDF jointly with other security forces colorfully celebrated the 127th Victory of Adwa at Meskel Square in the capital with different military parades and activities. During the celebration, air force, ground force and other staffs of ENDF and other security forces presented military shows.
The above shots were taken at Meskel Square while ENDF and Federal Police showed military parade. The security forces honored the Adwa Victory and assured that they are capable to protect Ethiopia from any threat as of forefathers/foremothers. The security forces, both ENDF and Federal Police show modern technological equipment and armaments during the day that are able to protect the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.
During the commemoration ceremony, Chief of Staff of ENDF, Field Marshal Birhanu Julla said that the credit for Adwa victory goes to the sacrifice made to emerge victorious by the then entire compatriots of Ethiopia.
The decision made by the incumbent to give the Ministry of Defense the responsibility of the celebration of victory of Adwa is historical which would help to celebrate the victory with the standard level it deserves.
During the anniversary, Military Attaches of different countries Embassies in Addis Ababa attended the event at Meskel Square.
President Sahle-work lays a wreath to honor Adwa heroes, heroines
President of the Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewdie laid a flower wreath at the memorial monument of Emperor Menelik-II at Menelik Square in Addis Ababa. President Sahl-work in the picture is seen honoring the heroes and heroines of Adwa after laying the wreath.
Just behind President Sahle-Work are police orchestra women with uniform saluting the martyred heroes and heroines. Other security forces, government officials, members of Ethiopian Patriots Association, family of former patriots, media professional and other attendants of the commemoration ceremonial event are shown in the picture.
During the day, wreath lying is the first event to be held early in the morning around 6:00 am annually and other events continued throughout the day. As usual, the president laid the wreath and the ceremony continued at Menelik-II, Adwa Bridge and Meskel Square with different activities and President Sahle-Work during the day attended the celebrations both at the Menelik-II Square and at Meskel Square.
127th Adwa Victory commemorates in Adwa
The mountain in the picture, behind the gathered people, is the historic mountain, Soloda Mountain, found in Adwa. Soloda Mountain was a significant place during the March 1, 1896 battle of Adwa. The one day war was held at the surroundings of the mountain.
Just near the mountain is found Adwa town. Adwa is an important place to commemorate the victory of Adwa. The residents of the town of Adwa colorfully celebrated the 127th victory day near the Soloda Mountain. The above shot was taken during the commemoration day at Adwa .Residents of Adwa are seen gathered in the place that the victory of Adwa is commemorated annually at national level.
The residents are seen taking the national flag of Ethiopia, red, yellow and green, and a Tigray regional state flag, red and yellow. During the past two years, Adwa was unable to celebrate the victory due to the conflict in the area. But, thanks to the restoration of peace following the Pretoria Agreement, Adwa has just colorfully celebrated the 127th Adwa Victory near the historic mountains.
Horsemen celebrating Adwa Victory in the capital
The Ethiopian Herald 5 March 2023
