Ethiopia today marked the 85th Patriots Day at Victory Monument Square in Addis Ababa. Officials stressed the need for national unity and patriotism.
Navy commander Vice Admiral Kindu Gezu said the current generation must overcome challenges with the steadfast unity and patriotism of its forefathers. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that national patriots are needed for Ethiopia to achieve prosperity.
The prime minister explained that patriotism means rejecting selfishness, betrayal and invaders. President of the Ancient Ethiopian Patriots Association, Child Daniel Jote Mesfin, said fighting poverty and backwardness represents modern patriotism.
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie noted that the country is built through collective memory and remembrance of heroes' roles. The event recalls the five-year struggle that led to victory.
