From: ENHOC-DC (fwd@dehai.org)
Date: Sun May 24 2009 - 13:25:33 EDT
On 23rd May 2009, thousands of Eritrean families made their way to
Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria for the annual Eritrean picnic. By
midday, the park was filled to capacity; Men, women and children were
everywhere. The clear blue skies and light breeze made for a perfect
day for kite flying, soccer and more. While some sat around picnic
tables under the decorated covered stalls, hundreds more spread out
under the many trees that surround the park. They pitched their tents
and portable lawn chairs for a long day of fun and relaxation. It
promised to be a day of fun in celebration of Eritrea s 18th
Independence Anniversary. The family picnics are the most favorite as
families come together for a day of festivities and the children get
o run around the massive fenced in park.
There was plenty of food and drink. Hot dogs and hamburgers added to
the extravagant buffet which included a variety of traditional
Eritrean dishes. There is always a lot to eat and snack on, but the
creamy sprinkle covered cupcakes and ice cream turned out to be the
favorites with the young children. Elsewhere around the park,
families shared food and prepared coffee as they walked around to
meet and greet old friends and family. Babies and younger children
slept in the many strollers, while many more laid around on blankets
and thatched mats. The children bounced around on the oversized moon
bounce, while the older ones played games on the massive field.
Others lined up patiently as they waited to get the Eritrean flag and
other favored patriotic images painted on their faces and hands.
H.E. Ghirmai Gebremariam, Eritrea s Ambassador to the United States
and other members of the Eritrean Embassy in Washington , DC were
also present. Ms. Genet Ghebru, the most beloved woman in the
community, who was not about to let her health problems and blindness
get in the way of her celebrations was also there. Her beloved
Eritrean flag hoisted on her wheelchair, she greeted old friends and
reminisced of times gone by. For decades Ms. Ghebru worked tirelessly
for Eritreas independence and is much loved and respected by both the
young and old in the community. There were many Eritreans from other
states who came down to participate in the weekend-long festivities.
Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) paid the community a visit and walked
around the park for hours greeting families and sharing in the
celebrations. Everyone had a great time.
On 22 May 2009, an elaborate coffee ceremony at the Eritrean Civic
and Community Center in Washington , DC sponsored by the National
Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) kicked off Eritrea s 18th Independence
Anniversary celebrations. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans
welcomed all to the ECCC which was decorated with Eritrean flags and
ethic crafts. Guests were served cake and other snacks as they
watched the celebrations on Eritrean television. The celebrations
will continue with the grand Gala at the Convention center on 24 May
2009 where there will be more music and dance.
Eritrean National Holidays Organizing Committee (ENHOC)
Media Center
18th Eritrean Independence Day Picnic - Washington DC Pictures Part II
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