AT AIR FORCE DISPLAY
Religion has long taught to have no grudges against others. We have no
grudges against past enemies. And yet, we cannot forget the injustices
perpetrated against the Ethiopian people. In the celebration of the last couple
of days – marking the 25th anniversary of Ethiopia’s liberation – we have
observed with satisfaction the display by our Armed Forces. And We praise the
Lord Almighty for the presence amongst us of the patriots and exiles who
survived the enemy’s ruthless man-hunt and victimization.
As it has been correctly stated earlier, Ethiopia fell an easy victim to
external aggression because she lacked air power. Today We have witness that
Ethiopia has an air power to reckon with. What took place today and what the
Air Force is heading to accomplish, indeed furnishes a confidence in the future
of the Ethiopian people.
Nevertheless the establishment of an air force is not sufficient in
itself. We have assigned men to various positions of responsibility in the
Ethiopian Air Force and it is up to these men to apply themselves diligently to
the task of self-improvement. The rank and file and the Officers of the
Ethiopian Air Force must work with the dedication their fathers and forefathers
had shown in the past – the past in which all Ethiopians can take pride.
Through diligence, wisdom and labour, our forefathers have preserved the
sovereignty of Our nation and the integrity of our country. The present as well
as the future generation bears responsibility to follow the examples set in the
past and to dedicate themselves for stability, progress and betterment of the
Ethiopia of tomorrow. No arms, however big or however mighty, can provide
solace to a nation. A nation finds comfort and the freedom of that nation is
best protected through the sacrifice and patriotism of its people. We must put
to the best use the rich heritage of our past for in that way, and in that way
alone can We live to the highest standard set by our forefathers for the
Ethiopian people.
Today, as We come to the close of the three-day celebrations, We thank
God for all He has done for the Ethiopian people. We have witnessed the
emergence of Ethiopia’s air power, the growth of her Navy, the strength of her land
forces and above all, the will of her people to overcome all difficulties. We
praise God for the progress We have already made and for the progress that is
bound to be Ours tomorrow. The all-round development of Ethiopia and
particularly the development of her Armed Forces and her economic resources
unmistakably show the greatness of the Ethiopian people in going beyond and
above individual gains and labour to the common good of all. We are the more
happy to witness the progress and development that is taking place for through
it the rights of all the people of Ethiopia are better protected and their
future happiness is better assured. Join Us today in praying to God to give Us
further strength to proceed along this useful course.
Some
jested that Ethiopia fell victim to Fascist aggression in the short period of
seven to eight months. But history has mocked the jesters by showing that those
who laughed in mockery lost their battle for freedom in a matter of days only.
The vital resources of a nation are, as we have already said, the people’s
selfless dedication and vigilance to overcome difficulties – it is not the
heavy armoury but the quality of the citizens that man it that matters. The
Ethiopian people are now more assured than ever before of a brighter future.
What gives form and substance to this assurance is the ever-existing vigilance
of our people, the strength of Our Armed Forces, the progress achieved in the
various fields of national endeavour and above all the unity of our people.
This is not only a source of satisfaction but a source of honour too. This
furnishes the living with hope for a better future. And the dead shall rest in
peace for their sacrifice in defence of their country has been honoured.
Those that have fallen in the battle-field have sacrificed themselves so
that Our future would be more secure. And we the living have the responsibility
of living up to the sacrifice that they have made, and to this all Ethiopians
must dedicate themselves. In all your undertakings through your career, base
yourselves on greater knowledge, courage and determination. For, if you base
yourselves upon these values, you shall not fail but you shall forever go from
one victory to another. I thank all the hard-working members of the Air Force. May God bless you.
May
8, 1966
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 610 –
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