Speech of The Day (207): Sunday, May 5,1957, on the occasion of the 16th Liberation Anniversary

On Sunday, May 5,1957, on the occasion of the

16th Liberation Anniversary, His Imperial

Majesty Haile 'Selassie I made speech:

"Through the power of God, Who does not despise

the weak nor fear the strong, and through Whose divine

plan Ethiopia regained her independence, have We been

spared these sixteen years for which We gather together

today to share Our joy.

Sixteen years is not too brief a period of time; many

things have been accomplished during these sixteen years.

From the day that We were elected by the Almighty

to guide the destiny of Our people, and during the past

sixteen years, all those of you to whom We have delegated

power and appointed to various positions of trust in the

service of Our people, should consider yourselves, like

Us, equally divinely appointed. Moreover, in Our Parliament

We have always reminded Our people that each and

everyone should help and support Us to fulfill Our national

objectives.

Our happiness today must not be based primarily

on material things or it would not be any different to

animal satisfaction. Each one of you should endeavour

to cooperate with Us to work selflessly for the development

and prosperity of Our country. Should you recognise

that like Us you have been chosen to serve Us, you will

do your duty to God and country, lest your conscience

condemn you."

Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 3 -