Ethiopia marks National Flag Day with call for unity, progress

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) — Ethiopians across the country on Monday marked the National Flag Day, underscoring the importance of the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
A series of events celebrated the day to reinforce the East African country’s commitment to peace and development.
Speaking at the premises of the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR), the lower house of the Ethiopian parliament, President Taye Atske Selassie said the national flag is an emblem that successive generations have made heroic sacrifices for freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, state-run Ethiopian News Agency reported.
Noting that Ethiopia has a long history of nation-building, the president emphasized that the country has inspired many African countries in the continental struggle for independence.
Atske Selassie also called on the current generation “to make relentless efforts to achieve overall prosperity, and build a stronger, prosperous and resilient Ethiopia.”
HoPR Speaker Tagesse Chafo underscored the significance of the Ethiopian national flag as a symbol of unity, pride and shared identity for the Ethiopian people. He also emphasized the importance of upholding the values represented by the flag, particularly during this time of national progress and development.
This year’s event, which marked the 17th National Flag Day celebration, was held under the theme “Our flag for our national unity, sovereignty, and the height of Ethiopia.” ■