“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” This quote was uttered by the famous German- born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, when talking about the value of living and sacrificing self-interest for the good of others.
According to him, living a life that is preoccupied only with one’s own self has no purpose or meaning. Instead, living a life that is dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact on the world is what truly gives life purpose and value.
When it is said sacrificing self-interest for the sake of others, it does not mean solely about giving the most precious and the greatest gift that one can give for others – his/her life. Aside from those selfless, brave individuals who fight and pay the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country, sustain unity, sovereignty and let their fellowmen breathe freely in an environment of freedom, it also includes and touches numerous aspects that we carry out with determination, commitment and a sense of selflessness.
Ranging from donating blood to save lives to the blood and sweat paid to see the country’s flag high above at the international arena, from living for the wellbeing of others sacrificing own comforts and desires to sharing food, the notion of sacrifice is far-reaching and across-the-board.
Mega development projects that need commitment and perseverance to give up self-interest are also the other indication of sacrifice.
The construction of the Abbay Hydro Electric Dam which is under construction by the capital of Ethiopians is the other showcase in this regard.
Today, Pagumen 2, Ethiopians are observing ‘Day of Sacrifice’ to honor the heroic citizens who paid price, be it in life, capital, sweat and blood to defend and safeguarded the sovereignty of Ethiopia, to make poverty a history, address the challenges of fellow citizens, amplify the name ‘Ethiopia’ at the international platforms among others. In the same manner, the deep feeling, enthusiasm, and perservance that Ethiopian athletes have been showing in global fields and tracks is also the sacrifice that is paid to honor Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
Bearing in mind the importance of the day into consideration, The Ethiopian Herald approached military veterans and civil senior citizens to share their insights on this same issue.
Lieutenant Demisse Woldemichael, a military veteran who has served in the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) said that honoring the sacrifice made by fellow citizens is commendable for a numbers reasons, it builds the value of sacrifice among the communities and lets the existing and the coming generation abide by the values his forefathers and mothers, as well as gives insights what does preserving value mean.
According to him, our forefathers and mothers won the Battle of Adwa, 128 years ago, with greater determination and perseverance to defend the territorial sovereignty. In my view, that victory over Italy was one of the remarkable historical junctures that attest Ethiopians’ keenness for common purpose.
This heroic deed paid for the generation is remembered for its remarkable returns not only for Ethiopia but also served as a springboard to the rest of Africans and black people to fight for freedom. As everyone knows, the Victory of Adwa led to the birth of the Pan-Africanism movement and inspired black people all over the world to proudly hold their heads high.
The then Victory at Adwa is priceless and it shall be remembered by the posterity to come because of the selfless sacrifice they paid in routing a superiorly armed invading army.
The current generation of Ethiopians also is paying sacrifice; he said referring to the commitment and excitement shown by the people to realize the construction of the Abbay Hydroelectric Dam. According to him, Ethiopians, from all walks of life, by prioritizing the construction of the dam over their needs and joining hands, are waiting for its final completion.
Because its significance is not only for this but also for the future generation, they are making history by financing the dam; the people have shown keen interest to stand with the project plan. Everyone welcomed cheerfully to support and finance the construction of the Dam. Public and private servants as well as the Diaspora community have marched in support of the Dam construction in all ways including in purchasing bonds and through private donations.
“I am sure heroes of Ethiopia in all areas will keep on marching forward and making history in all aspects. United we can unchain the vicious circle of poverty through hard sacrifices and engage in productive projects like GERD which have a common purpose.”
According to him, this generation has to sacrifice his/her needs and desires for the common good of all. The sacrifice exhibited on the warfront, sport fields, in charity organizations should be further strengthened and sustained. Everyone should beware that unless peace and stability are guaranteed, it would be impossible to breathe the air of freedom and peace.
“In my view, at this juncture Ethiopia badly needs selfless heroic citizens and leadership qualities that are prepared to pay the necessary sacrifice,” he concludes.
A resident of Dessie Town Alemu Assefa for his part said: “in our day to day activities, we are witnessing exemplary Ethiopians engaged in number fields and paying sacrifice for the common good of all. For instance teachers, health professionals, security forces and rangers among others engaging in rural and hinterlands, are offering services with high sacrifices, regardless of low payments and poor infrastructure facilities. Honoring such citizens on “Day of Sacrifice” is commendable because they deserve recognition.
According to him, because nation building is realized through the sacrifice of generations, there must be efforts in valuing energies devoted to bring about a difference.
“And, as we mark this day, Day of Sacrifice, we have to honor Ethiopian heroes/heroines who are engaged in various fronts of duty and paying selfless sacrifice for love of Ethiopia. Let us also join our hands and pay tribute to those selfless individuals who are discharging their responsibility accordingly,” he concluded.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian Herald September 7/2023
