Eritreans in Cincinnati Celebrated the 47^th Anniversary of The Beginning of The Eritrean Revolution

By Ogbazgy A. Asmerom

HAPPY 47^th Year and Anniversary of Eritrean Revolution DAY TO ALL ERITREANS ACROSS THE GLOBE!

On September 6, 2008, Eritreans and Eritrean-Americans who live in Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrated the 47^th year [1961-2008] and Anniversary of Eritrean Revolution Day with great fanfare and enthusiasm. It was a Picnic Day, too!

Due to a scheduling conflict and some technical problems, it was not possible to celebrate the occasion on September 1, 2008. Thus, the National Holidays Coordinating Committee decided to have the Celebration and Picnic on September 6, 2008, one week after the official Day of Celebration.

The celebration/picnic took place in the western part of the city, at Stone Steps Shelter, in Mount Airy Forest Park, which is a suburb of Cincinnati. Eritreans know why they celebrate Revolution Day. They know that if there were no beginning of the Revolution Days, there would not have been any independence. Thus, they struggled and fought against Ethiopian rule for 30 years [1961-1991] to be free and independent. They also know that they have paid a heavy price for their independence!

Abraham Tesfamichael, chairperson of the National Holidays Coordinating Committee, welcomed the members of the community. He briefly stated what the 47^th Anniversary of Eritrean Revolution Day meant to all Eritreans. Thus, he led the audience in a moment of silence to remember those who died to usher Eritrean independence.

Azieb Mehreteab, chairperson of the Eritrean Community welcomed the participants. She also praised the dedication, energy, and commitment shown by the New Executive staff of the Eritrean Community, local representative of the Eritrean consular affairs in the city, members of the local PFDJ, and the Executive Staff of the Eritrean National Holidays Coordinating Committee for making this year’s celebration better than last year.

The 47^th Year of Eritrean Revolution Day message issued by the Eritrean Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice [PFDJ] was read to the audience. The main message was that all Eritreans at home and abroad must be vigilant, resilient, and united, showing a sense of purpose and commitment to see better days in Eritrea and help their motherland develop; and also to maintain the noble cultural heritage, mores, and norms that have sustained the Eritrean people.

There wee various games that the adults and children played; and all of them had fun during the day, and in participating in the activities.

Abraham Tesfai, a member of the Eritrean community distributed receipts and a list of Names of local Eritreans who pledged to support the children and family members of Eritrean martyrs. Because of pledges made last year, Abraham sent $2,185.00 to the Eritrean Embassy to help in supporting the families of martyrs in Eritrea. As a result, three Eritrean families have been sponsored in Asmara for three years.

Another occasion that really made an impression was the collections and transferring of donated monies to the local representative of the Eritrean Consular Affairs. Three different kinds of collections were donated to the support the families of Eritrean martyrs:

1. $388.00 was collected from the sale of different Eritrean paintings by young Eritrean-Americans in the city. This was pledged during the Day of Eritrean Independence celebration in May of this year.
2. $400.00 was collected from the sale of drinks, candlesticks, and various items. This was also pledged last year and this year during the commemoration of 20 June.
3. $220.00 was collected by Arsiema Haile, a 10-year old young Eritrean girl. This was the climax of the day. This was an unbelievable act. Arsiema told her parents that her desire was to help families of Eritrean martyrs. Thus, she decided to sell cookies and cakes and wanted the collected money to go to Eritrea. The community has not seen any such act of personal decision from a young girl. Those who were at the celebration/picnic admired Arsiema and congratulated her for the noble act of unselfishness and level of commitment. Many wished her the best and encouraged her to keep up the good work.
4. All of the monies collected were given to the representative of the Consular Affairs of the Eritrean Embassy. He pledged to send the monies to the Eritrean Embassy; thanked the donors, and pledged to bring the appropriate receipts to give to the individuals who were responsible in the process of the collections.

The writer of the story affirms that members of the Eritrean National Holidays Coordinating Committee: Abraham Tesfamichael, Aregai Tewoldeberhan, Huda Kebede, Letekidan Misghina, and Saba Mehari did an excellent job in planning, organizing, and executing the events of the picnic and celebration. They have shown what it means to work together and in unison. Based on the feedback received from some of the participants of the celebration, this year’s celebration/picnic was the best of all! It is hoped next year will be better than this year! Job well done, team!

THE END