Ethiopian leaders recently highlighted the multifaceted nature of patriotism, drawing lessons from the nation's historical heroes while emphasizing the importance of skills and development in the contemporary context.
During the colorful observance of the annual Patriots' Day at the Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, President Taye Atske Selassie stressed the significance of learning from the heroism and compassion displayed by Ethiopia's historical patriots. "We should learn heroism and compassion from our patriots," the President stated. He reflected on how the forefathers bravely fought and defeated the enemy yet treated their captives with mercy, urging the current generation to emulate these virtues.
President Taye emphasized that recognizing the greatness of the country and fostering patriotism are crucial values to be learned from these heroes, asserting that upholding these values will ensure Ethiopia's continued victory and sovereignty. He described Patriots' Day, observed annually on Miyazia 27E.C. or May 5 G.C., as a day of victory that saw the Ethiopian flag raised high again and the nation's dignity restored after a five-year struggle against violation of its sovereignty and honor.
The event saw the participation of various officials, including the President of the Ethiopian Patriots Association, Lidj Daniel Jote Mesfin, the Director General of the Defense Force's Morale Building Directorate, Major General Endalkachew Woldekidan, and the Head of the Addis Ababa Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau, Dr. Hirut Kassaw, who also delivered messages.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh offered a contemporary definition of patriotism, linking it to safeguarding national sovereignty and achieving prosperity through overcoming poverty and backwardness. Speaking at the launch of the 4th National Skills Competition forum, organized under the theme "Bright Minds; Skilled Citizens," the Deputy Prime Minister asserted, "Contemporary patriotism is ensuring national sovereignty and achieving prosperity by overcoming poverty and backwardness."
He acknowledged Ethiopia as a land of heroes who defended its sovereignty against invaders, placing the responsibility on the current generation to defeat the enemies of poverty and backwardness to make Ethiopia a model of prosperity in Africa. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen identified the "patriots of the second era" as those engaged in skill development, competence, and creative work, highlighting their achievement of a dual form of patriotism. He also commended the Ministry of Labor and Skills for its efforts in facilitating knowledge exchange among citizens from different parts of the country and fostering the creation of problem-solving technology and research through collective capacity.