Our history is replete with people who heroically sacrificed their lives for their country. There are few who devoted their precious lives for the greater good and fulfilled their ambitions. Today, from current generation Ethiopia expects honesty as well as patriotism. It badly needs real patriots that are ready to moderate their ambitions and to take concern on national issues in an open-minded way.
Since the wind of change began wafting across the country’s sky and reformists came to power with the sense of patriotic feeling, the face of the country has been transformed in terms of development as seen in coming up with bumbler wheat harvest and mushrooming of projects of greenery and scenery.
A feeling of patriotism has grown up among many Ethiopians. This tremendous achievement is managed with a sense of patriotic feeling by visionaries even though the country is confronted by hurdles. The transformation has rippled across the country and affected almost every person. Also infrastructural developments and mega projects have turned palpable.
Citizen-centred activities have also been implemented in different places. Of their own volition, people have engaged in different humanitarian activities. As such the lives of the poor have improved. With a feeling of good gesture, the government has come down and renovated the houses of the poor. This can only happen in the spirit of patriotism dwelling in the incumbent’s heart of hearts. Also emulating the incumbent’s philanthropy, people participate in voluntary works to promote the common good as patriotic citizens. This way love for the country will flourish.
Patriotism is the feeling of pride, devotion, and attachment to one’s homeland and its values. There are two aspects of patriotism. The traditional meaning of patriotism focuses on defending one’s country in times of war. It is mainly related to military engagements when one’s country is invaded.
This is not the only expression of patriotism. But the modern aspect of patriotism is expressed when one is concerned for the well-being of one’s community, or one’s country. In doing so, one is being a patriotic citizen. Patriotic citizens do not only think about the wellbeing of their country but also ethicality .That is when we come to our case realizing the true history of Ethiopian people. . Understanding the true history is important in order to develop a sense of patriotic feeling towards our country.
The true patriot begins by respecting the diversity of the people. Patriots love their country; they are proud of their citizenship and all it entails; they see their affinity for their country and their fellow citizens as complementing other bonds of solidarity. The patriot is honest about his or her country’s shortcomings, is ready to talk and listen to all citizens, and has faith in the future-faith that citizens acting together can beat all odds or overcome all hardships and challenges.
Athlete Tsegay Sagni was an Ethiopian Athlete who was representing Ethiopia in African Championship in different countries. He was running along with Abebe Bikila and some other prominent Ethiopian Athletes. According to former Athlete Tsegay Sagni, in our history we Ethiopians have experienced dictatorships and revolutions, but now there is hope .We are trying to benefit from the middle way of democratic openness. Ethiopians are instinctively patriotic, but many things are expected to develop the chance for a democratic and moderate patriotism.
According to him members of this generation must understand one other. They must know the history of this great nation they need to be motivated by the dedication of past patriots and the sacrifices they made for independence through engaging in activities that will contribute towards nation building.
“Historically there may have been problems in an effort towards building the state. But this generation should not engage in conflict rather it must discuss and come up with a solution and draw a lesson from their forefathers on how to resolve conflicts and create harmonies relationship. If countries face internal conflict, it is difficult to bring rapid economic development; we cannot ensure democratic system and equality among the nations and nationalities of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is as diverse as its cultural and ethnic groups are mosaics.
When we unite as a nation, we prove robust, but if we lose thread that unites us, we will turn fragile. Therefore this generation should play a significant role in bringing the differences together and stand for the national cause”. People who are able to handle diversity help to create national unity. When citizens learn how to be tolerant, it will help them to live together in peace and dignity. Despite our diversity we need to create a common political and economic space and work together in the fight against poverty and backwardness
Ethiopia has proudly faced its challenges by drawing its own internal strengths: our diversity, our deep patriotic spirit, our respect for our national institutions. We may seek out lessons from across the world as we solve our problems. We welcome goodwill from abroad, but there is a challenge when it comes to overcoming that of ourselves.
Let us begin our national conversation with our strengths. Ethiopia is stronger than ever before; it has weathered crises such as drought. Let us execute our share in a spirit of humble patriotism. Ethiopia needs patriotism in the domain of humility and readiness to listen; Ethiopians need to be passionate in their moderation, finding the right balance among their multiple identities, and beginning an all-inclusive national debate about the many possible unfolding that confront our country.
BY NAOL GIRMA
The Ethiopian Herald September 21/2023
