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From: Ogbazgy A.Asmerom (ogbazgy@gmail.com)
Date: Mon Sep 13 2010 - 23:40:24 EDT
Eritrean-Americans in Cincinnati Celebrated the 49th Anniversary of the
Beginning of the Eritrean Revolution
By Ogbazgy Abbay Asmerom
On September 11, 2010, Eritreans and Eritrean-Americans who live in
Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrated the 49th year [1961-2010] and Anniversary of
Eritrean Revolution Day. 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, 2010. Thus, the National
Holidays Coordinating Committee decided to have the Celebration and Picnic
Day on September 11, 2010. This September, it happened that the Orthodox
Copts of Eritrea celebrated New Year, and the Moslems celebrated Eid on the
same day. Hence, this year, in Eritrea, three celebrations were observed.
During the picnic event, Eritrean-Americans paid a special and solemn
respect to the more than 3,000 innocent Americans who died on 09/11/2001,
and once more condemned the terrorist attacks that took place in New York
City, Washington, Dc, and Crookshank, Pennsylvania. At the picnic, it was
also noted that Eritreans and Eritrean-Americans do condemn any form of
terrorism, whether it is at home or abroad. It was also recalled that
Eritreans were terrorized by successive Ethiopian rulers and their
supporters for 50 years [1941-1991].
It was through sheer perseverance, determination, dedication, commitment,
sacrifice, faith, and hope; against all odds, that they resisted against
Ethiopian terrorism, and fought for 30 years [1961-1991] to be free, which
was a fight termed as a war between David and Goliath. Hence, Eritrea became
independent on 24 May 1991. Thus, Eritreans do detest terrorism, and do not
want to see any acts of terrorism taking place anywhere! Based on this
detestation and experience, no one should dare call the Eritreans as part of
any movement that foments aggression!
The celebration/picnic took place in the northwestern part of the city, at
Harbin Park, in Fairfield, Ohio. Fairfield is a suburb of Cincinnati.
Nationalist and patriotic Eritreans know why they celebrate Revolution Day.
They know that if there were no beginnings for Revolution Day, there would
not have been any Independence Day, May 24, 1991, or June 20, which is
Eritrean Martyrs’ Day. Thus, the Eritreans struggled and fought against
Ethiopian rule/terror for 30 years [1961-1991] to be free and independent.
They also know that they have paid a heavy price for their independence!
That kind of a sacrifice was not in vain!
Hadesse Alem, chairperson of the National Holidays Coordinating Committee,
welcomed the members of the community. He briefly stated what the 49th
Anniversary of Eritrean Revolution Day meant to all Eritreans.
Tekle Asgedom, chairperson of the Eritrean Community, also welcomed the
participants to the Park. He also praised the dedication, energy, and
commitment shown by the Executive staff of the Eritrean National Holidays
Coordinating Committee, and all those who made the occasion/picnic
successful.
The 49th Year of Eritrean Revolution Day message issued by PFDJ, in Asmara,
Eritrea, on 9/1/2010, 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, identity, unity, and norms that have sustained the Eritrean
people for so many years.
There were various games that the adults and children played; and all of
them had fun during the day, and in participating in the activities.
The writer of the story affirms that members of the Eritrean National
Holidays Coordinating Committee: Hadesse Alem, Zegeye Ghebremariam, Mehari
Tesfai, Zaid Tesfai, and Nigisty Tewelde 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 in unison and dedication.
Some of the adults played “corn hole” games, and they had enjoyed the
activities of the day. The kids had a good time and fun at the swings of the
park, and they played some games.
There was plenty of food and drinks. Some of the members of the community
prepared juicy and tasteful hamburgers, salad, and zelzel tibsi; and some
cooked fresh corn from the fields of Fairfield. There was good tea and
coffee to drink.
Members of the community pledged to help each other at times of need, and
some pledged to contribute some money to cover the expenses for next year’s
picnic and celebration.
Based on the feedback received from some of the participants of the
celebration/picnic, this year’s event was a good one. Everyone has high
expectations that next year’s picnic will be better than this year! Job well
done, team!
THE END
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