I indulge in the pleasure of writing this letter on the occasion of Eritrea's 9th independence day to send a congratulatory message of yohana to you, and through you, to the courageous people of Eritrea. In the after shock of the recent Ethiopian invasion of Eritrean territory, and the looming danger such violation poses, Eritreans across the world find themselves deeply entrenched in unwaivering and unshakable faith that the truth and justice will at the end prevail to serve Eritrea handsomely. Accordingly, every Eritrean from all walks of life, young and old alike commemorates this, the 9th year of our freedom, with extra and doubled commitment to preserve and protect that which is a natural right - our sovereignty. We, the Eritrean people regard such a tightly packed national sentiment bound by a committed spirit that is ready to serve at any level, at any cost, and at any time, as nothing short of a God given miracle that makes our young nation stand out in her unique quality of courage, perseverance with dignity, and upright principled aspirations that have become our trademark and the backbone during the struggle for freedom, and now as a young nation under Ethiopia's invading attack.

Our joy and celebratory mood during this, our independence day, could not be marred by the latest development of Ethiopia's invasion of our land. In the twisted irony of reality, it is working in our favor to expose Ethiopia's long-held and deeply hidden agenda of naked aggression to reverse the hard won Eritrean sovereignty. The world is shocked by such barbaric attempt by one of the poorest nations of the world. Ethiopia today stands as a glaring spectacle of shameful example of why the African continent often tracks backward in development and progress. Equally, the hard work and committed effort to secure peace by the Eritrean Government and her people have made Eritrea shine in the eyes of the world as a young nation keen on developing herself to catch up with the rest of the world. Such endeavors for noble visions and lofty aspirations have allowed us, specially those who live in the Diaspora, to keep our heads up with pride and diligently focus on our sole purpose - a legal and peaceful resolution of the border dispute. Your Excellency, Eritrea by all account have so far won this war that has been imposed upon her. Eritrea has firmly stood her grounds on a peaceful and legal resolution of the border dispute; clearly and with principle stated her stand on issues; is working with flexibility as a goodwill gesture towards peace so that the peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea could work towards development in tranquility; and defended her territory without betraying her integrity and principles. History will judge that Eritrea has a credible upper hand in moral and diplomatic efforts. This, and nothing else, will make the war end quickly, indeed. Your Excellency, at the end allow me to salute the heroic Eritrean Defense Forces who have held the vigil for so long and with tremendous discipline and patience. I salute the Eritrean mothers and fathers whose quiet determination have ushered one too many aggressive occupation of their land with resolve. From afar, our heart beats to that which our people's does, and we stand firmly behind them, in the trenches, refugee camps, and across all Eritrea. Your Excellency, allow me also to salute you for your exemplary leadership; unwaivered vision of peace and prosperity; diligently and harmoniously working to secure Eritrea's sovereignty, now and forever. Indeed, we never address you as President Isaias, too distant and too formal, for a strong pulse in the collective heart of our nation of one people and one heart, you are wedi Afeworki, one of us in the stream of our journey, and a shining glory for what Eritrea promises to be. May God bless Eritrea now and forever! Hidaat G. Ephrem
Seattle, Washington
United States of America