webmaster
© Copyright DEHAI-Eritrea OnLine, 1993-2011
All rights reserved
From: MIHRETEAB GEBREHIIWETT (mihreteab@sbcglobal.net)
Date: Tue Jun 21 2011 - 18:58:59 EDT
Hopefully, other communities will do the same.
Mihreteab Gebrehiiwet
Chicago
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicago observed June 20th with renewed pledge to support 82 families of Eritrean martyrs. [These pledges are in addition to or independent of past
pledges - 2004/2005.]
This initiative was introduced as the 50/50 Challenge or as the 2011/2012 Project. It started with a modest expectation of enlisting 50 Chicagoans who would be willing to support 50 families of Eritrean martyrs. The target was reached in less than 50 minutes, also resonating the 50/50/50
challenge. The bar was raised higher and higher by popular demand. When the count reached 72, a single pledge to support 10 families bumped the count to 82. [These pledges will net or are equivalent to $62,000].
"If you have relished your visit to Eritrea", the speaker reminded the audience, "ask yourself: whose blood was shed, whose bones were broken, whose limbs were severed to usher in Eritrean independence? We, the living, are entrusted with responsibility to care for the families of the Eritrean martyrs. Only then do we demonstrate that independence is not a cheap grace. Only then do we refrain from committing a sacrilege of reducing martyrdom to a thankless task."
"Today is Fathers' Day in America. It is a social event when sons and daughters pay tribute and express love to their fathers. If you digress
to the Eritrean setting: A lot of sons and daughters cannot observe or celebrate Fathers' Day because their fathers have been martyred. The absence of the fathers has left a big void. Won't you help mitigate the
pain?!"
Chicagoans were summoned to participate in a noble cause, that of helping the families of Eritrean martyrs, and they responded with kindness and generosity.
Stay tuned for more details....
Awet nHafaS!!
Eritrean National Holidays Organizing Committee
Eritrean Martyrs Fund Committee
Chicago
----[This List to be used for Eritrea Related News Only]----