BY DARGIE KAHSAY
Since 1941, the 5th of May has been marked as Ethiopia Patriots’ Victory Day. The day is marked in commemoration of the Ethiopian Patriots’ resistance movement’s victory over the Italian fascist’s five year occupation of Ethiopia. In addition, on 5th of May 1941, following the defeat of Italy by Ethiopian Patriots, Emperor Hailesilassie returned to his throne.
Since then, Ethiopia has been commemorating the day annually with colorful celebrations at the Victory Monument found at Arat Kilo. The day is marked as national holiday of Ethiopia. This year on Miyaziya 27 (May 05) patriots, veterans, youth, government officials and inhabitants of the capital attended the annual program.
At the heart of Arat Kilo, just a kilometer from the palace, is located a Victory Monument erected to commemorate Ethiopians who bravely fought back and defeated the Italian fascist invaders throughout Ethiopia finally dislodged the invading fascist troops from their country. The heralding event took place at Arat Kilo, just in front of Ministry of Education building. The monument was erected to declare the victory of Ethiopian heroes and heroines over Italy and to commemorate the liberation day of Ethiopia.
The 15 meters long monument symbolizes the ancient obelisk of Axum and has six entrances. The history of the five year struggle and the speech of Emperor Haileselassie at the time of his arrival, in his palace are narrated by writings carved on the monument. On the top of the monument is a sculpture of lion of Judah holding the Ethiopian flag. Beneath it there is a clock pointing at 7 O’clock at which the national patriots arrived at Addis Ababa with Emperor Haileselassie.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a statement in connection with the victory day celebration. PM Abiy on his statement stated that Ethiopia celebrated victory day, not a freedom day thanks to its heroes and heroines who kept their beloved nation from colonialism by huge sacrifices. PM Abiy underlined that this generation should invest in creating a wealthy nation that vanquished poverty maintaining its freedom.
This monument commemorates the victory of the Ethiopians over the invading Italians in 1941, as well as those gallant Ethiopians who perished resisting the invading fascist forces during the 1936-1941 war. Emperor Haile Selassie I inaugurated the monument in 1944.
Victory Day anniversary is annually held at this monument. President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, President of Ethiopian Patriots Association and other government higher officials lays a remembrance flower wreaths early in the morning accompanied by military brass bands on the victory day.
The picture on the right shows President of the Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sahle Work Zewdie, laying a remembrance flower at the Victory Monument during the 82nd victory day anniversary, this Friday, in an event accentuated by Brass Band.
President of Ethiopia, President of Ethiopian Patriots Association, Ethiopian National Defense Force and Addis Ababa City Administration annually lays remembrance flower during the victory day. As usual, during this year’s anniversary, the day was commemorated with different ceremonial activities.
During the anniversary, President Sahle Work said “we have to use patriotism to shape generations. She said that patriotism is the value via which Ethiopia will shape its next generation adding Patriots’ Victory Day is an exemplary event that the current generation can bring change if united.
This shot was taken during the 82nd anniversary of Victory Day at Arat Kilo Victory Square. The picture shows a Brass Band parading at the victory monument. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces Brass Band annually presents a show to honor and to commemorate the heroes and heroines of Ethiopia.
The Brass Band, in the picture, is parading round and round the victory monument. The surrounding of the victory monument is bedecked with and accentuated by the Ethiopian Flag, while the Brass Band is wearing a uniform decorated by Ethiopian National Flag.
The above shot was also taken during this year’s victory day celebration. Ethiopian heroes and heroines (Arbegnoch) and members of the Ethiopian Patriots Association, wearing patriots’ uniform, were parading near the victory monument.
The Arbegnoch (patriots) and first sons and daughters of patriots (have the title name Lij before their name) during the victory day put on the ancient patriots’ uniform and present a show of patriots.
In addition, patriots deliver messages to the youth to keep the baton of invincibility to keep hovering high in the country.
The Ethiopian Herald may 7/2023
