AIRMEN CONTRIBUTE TO COUNTRY’S
SELF-DEFENCE
….. We feel happy because we believe that
the knowledge you have acquired will be put to the advantage of the country’s
progress and that your service will greatly strengthen the country’s ability
for self-defence, and so help it in attaining the stage of progress. We also
feel that the service you will render will bring Our efforts to fruition.
Having
personally witnessed the knowledge and flying ability you have acquired in the
course of your studies, We can say that you have reached a stage worthy of praise.
However, the knowledge you have so far acquired can only serve you as a basis
for further endeavours and you will be considered as experts and be of real
service to your country only if you faithfully maintain the good name earned by
your outfit and strive to bring a good reputation to your country and people.
As you may judge for yourselves, the
airplanes that will be here in the future are very much different from those
that have been used so far, and will therefore require greater imagination and
ability to handle them. Those people who will be entrusted with their use will
bear heavy responsibilities and will, therefore, be recruited very carefully.
We feel that you also realize the need for attaching special importance to this
aspect. However, and as much as you have been given sound education and a good
start, you can fulfill your obligations only if you strive for higher and
better endeavours. This must be your aim and goal in life.
Earlier we made reference to the good name
you have earned. Your reputation is not only known to us but also to all
Africa. To name but a few, carrier planes have been used to transport the
Ethiopian contingent to the Congo, and since a year jet planes have also been
made available for UN service in that Republic. Our planes have also been used
at the time when our neighboring and brotherly people of Somalia were affected
by flood. All these have helped in making Ethiopia better known in Africa. It
can also be said that African countries sent their youth for training here with
you because they were aware of the good name you have earned in the past.
We shall always strive to render you
better facilities for education and also better quality equipment. Our thanks
are due to all those whose help and support have been indispensable for
crowning your efforts with success.
Sept. 23, 1962.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 34 –
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