King attends ceremony marking 46th anniversary of Karameh Battle

KARAMEH — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, on Thursday attended a ceremony at the Unknown Soldier Monument in the Jordan Valley, marking the 46th anniversary of the Karameh Battle, which falls on Friday.

Several Royal family members, senior officials, and serving and retired officers attended the ceremony. 

The King reviewed the guard of honour, laid wreaths at the monument and recited verses from the Koran at the site.

During the celebrations, Nawal, daughter of martyr Mahmoud Khalil Zaineddine, delivered a speech, in which she voiced the families’ and children of martyrs' pride in King Abdullah and appreciation for his continuous support to them.

The children and grandchildren of Karameh's martyrs are proud that their parents and grandparents have served their country valiantly, she said.

"I am proud of my father, who gave his life to his country. He is one of the heroes of Karameh who were motivated by their faith, their love for their country and their persistence against the enemy," Nawal, a teacher, added.

Meanwhile, Aref Marshoud, a retired colonel spoke on behalf of the soldiers who fought in the battle, stressing that all servicemen, retired and on active duty, are committed to serving their country and leadership.

“We retired servicemen… are proud that we… have never abandoned the values we were raised to respect, and time will never change that,” Marshoud said.

“We are the homeland’s party, the people’s party and the leadership’s party… and we will remain supportive of our armed forces, whose professionalism and development… gives us reason to be proud,” he added.

On March 21, 1968, Jordanian soldiers repelled an Israeli attack on the Jordan Valley town of Karameh, whose name means “dignity”. 

Several Jordanian soldiers lost their lives in the battle, while the raid was repelled with heavy losses for Israel, as the armed forces launched an artillery barrage against Israeli tanks.

On the occasion, the King and HRH Crown Prince Hussein received cables of congratulations from senior civil and military officials.