Jordan: a country with a message

Jordan today celebrates its 70th Independence Day with festivities that reflect the significance of the occasion.

Over the past weeks, it has become common to see Jordanians spontaneously flying national flags on top of their cars, shops and homes in a show of pride in and belonging to their country and its achievements.

This year’s festivities coincide with the Kingdom’s celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt, which should remind all of us of the sublime principles of the uprising that led this country to where it is today.

Jordan, a small country with limited resources, thanks to the resilience and persistence of its people managed to achieve what many others in the region failed to do.

The cohesion of its people under the Hashemite leadership made Jordan not only withstand all challenges and regional upheavals since its establishment but also a haven for all those escaping these upheavals in countries near and far.

The importance of this year’s celebrations of Independence Day and the Great Arab Revolt was eloquently summed up by His Majesty King Abdullah in his address to the Nation Tuesday evening.

“We stand together to commemorate the events that shaped our history and to honour the leaders, and the men and women who set the course that lit our path towards the future,” the King said in his televised address broadcast by the Jordan Television, which also showed footage of the great strides that the sons and daughters of this country have made over the past 10 decades.

The King reminded the nation that the principles raised by the Great Arab Revolt — unity, freedom, pluralism and diversity — were the beacon that lit the way to the country’s independence and consequent years of construction and accomplishments.

The Proclamation of Independence was signed 70 years ago by the King’s great grandfather, King Abdullah I, at Raghadan Palace, which today will host the main ceremony celebrating the occasion.

Ever since the proclamation was signed, Jordan has worked hard to fortify itself against surrounding threats, as well as to progress and enable the development of its main asset, its people, ensuring that they receive proper education, healthcare and all other services that they deserve.

These people stand united today under the leadership of their King to pay tribute to the founding fathers and their sacrifices, and to continue the process of development.

“Our generation should realise that the Great Arab Revolt was not an isolated event in history. Rather, it was the beginning of a nation established on clear principles that reflect the true nature of Jordanians, as a people with exceptional ability to survive the tests of time, laying the foundations for our continuing development,” emphasised the King, adding that the country is founded on the sublime principles represented in justice, equality, citizenship and the rule of law.

“There is no difference between Jordanians, except by what they do for their country,” the King said, also highlighting that Jordan was built on the unity of its people, as well as a unifying national identity that embraces all those who believe in their country.

The King pledged that Jordan will continue to stand for the principles and values raised by the Great Arab Revolt and to support Arab causes, mainly that of Palestine, defending the latter's Arab identity and its holy places in Jerusalem.

He emphasised that Jordan has emerged with a message, that of freedom, peace, harmony and development, which will continue to guide its march forward.