Ethiopians Mark 81th Patriots’ Victory Day

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopians on Thursday marked the 8th Patriots’ Victory Day as President Sahle-work Zewde urged citizens to use the victory for lasting interest of the nation.

The Patriots Victory Day commemorates the defeat of the invading Italian Fascist Forces by the Ethiopian  patriots.

‘’The brave patriots who accomplished this would be forever remembered,” said President Sahle-work who laid a wreath at the base of the Victory Statue at Arat Kilo where the official commemoration took place today. 

Apart from the president, members and the President of the Ancient Ethiopian Heroes Association, the National Defense Forces, diplomats and residents of the capital were present. 

President Sahle-Work told the gathering that the victory demonstrated that Ethiopians are committed to paying sacrifices for their motherland, stating these patriots deserve great respect. 

‘’We need to create a living, vibrant spirit of Adwa, the spirit of victory of the patriots,” Sahle-work continued. “We must also use it for the lasting interests of our country.”   

Ethiopian Patriots Association President Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin, on his part, said the victory day marks the heroic deeds of Ethiopian patriots in successfully resisting and defeating the Italian Fascist  forces, who were armed with modern weapons.

He urged the young generation to follow the footsteps and achieve the causes of fallen forefathers by preserving this great  country.  The youth must safeguard their motherland and defend those forces who are bent on destabilizing the country, Lij Daniel added.

Patriots’ Victory Day is a day that commemorates the end of the five years’ Italian occupation, eventually defeating the invading force on May 5, 1941.

Featured Image Caption: The Victory Statue at Addis Ababa’s Arat Kilo.