Addis Ababa, Every Ethiopian has a duty to give due respect to the national flag anywhere and every time, President Sahle-Work Zewde stressed.
The president made the above remark at the celebration of the 16th National Flag Day held jointly by the House of People's Representatives and House of Federation and under the theme: "The elevation of our flag is a guarantee for our multi-national unity and sovereignty".
In her message, President Sahle-Work said the national flag has been the main symbol of independence, sovereignty, and sacrifice.
She emphasized that Ethiopians should respect the flag not only today but 365 days remembering the high price paid to protect the country's independence and territorial integrity.
Our flag is our national identity and there is therefore the need to always give it the respect it deserves not only by this generation but also by the coming generations, the president underscored.
She stressed that citizens should learn from the previous generation and live harmoniously, realizing that the country is above everything.
We have to create a country where one person's happiness is another's, and one's sorrow is another's, President Sahle-Work stated.
House of People's Representatives, Tagesse Chafo said on the occasion that the national flag is the symbol of our independence, patriotism, unity, sovereignty, and Ethiopianism.
It is a symbol of national trust that has been passed down from generation to generation, he said, emphasizing that all Ethiopians must guard and honor of the flag.
Ethiopia marks the National Flag Day every year around the middle of October.
The day is celebrated colorfully at federal government institutions, regional and the two-city administrations, Ethiopian embassies and missions
Source: Ethiopian News Agency