Speech of The Day (329): AIRMEN CONTRIBUTE TO COUNTRY’S SELF-DEFENCE

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 –