King delivers address to the nation on 74th Independence Day

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah delivered an address to the nation from Raghadan Palace, on the occasion of Jordan’s 74th Independence Day, marked on Monday, May 25.

“Jordanians have always been fully dedicated to this homeland, where we live, in security and stability,” King Abdullah said.

Paying tribute to Jordanians’ resilience, His Majesty added: “You are our independence, as were our ancestors who built the state, and the Nashama of the armed forces and security agencies, the protectors of the homeland and its independence.”

The King said Jordan’s journey has charted a story of success, as it continues to win the admiration of others, according to a Royal Court statement.

As this year’s Independence Day coincides with Eid Al Fitr, amidst exceptional circumstances caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19), His Majesty noted that this Eid may have lacked the lively visits of relatives and loved ones.

But the King called for making the story of this Eid and this Independence Day “one we tell our children and grandchildren, the story of a nation where their mothers and fathers stood firm to protect their life and their future.”

“Our battle with coronavirus disease is but one of those tough tests that have shown the efficiency of the state, its enduring institutions, and the strength of its army and security forces,” His Majesty said.

The King added that “God blessed us with a clarity of vision and wisdom in decision-making, when we took pre-emptive measures to counter this pandemic,” calling for making this crisis “one of the milestones we pass successfully, having turned its threats into points of strength and resilience.”

“Yes, we have been physically distant, but our hearts and goals have grown closer, so that we can succeed,” His Majesty said.

Following is the English translation of the King’s address:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Brothers and sisters,

Dear citizens,

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you,

In these blessed days of Eid Al Fitr, we mark the anniversary of our beloved Kingdom’s independence, as we witness exceptional circumstances that have compelled us to change the way we celebrate this occasion.

I speak to you today as if I see your bright faces before me, with your voices saying, ‘we are here’.

You are indeed ever-present, with your spirit, your faith and your joy. You are present with the spirit of Jordanians who have placed their faith in God, and in their nation and its capabilities. You are present with your absolute faith that the best is yet to come, and that with hardship comes ease. You are present with your joy over our nation’s celebration, for you are our independence, as were our ancestors who built the state, and the Nashama of the armed forces and security agencies, the protectors of the homeland and its independence.

This country, whose journey has charted a story of success, continues to win the admiration of others, despite all the exceptional regional conditions that have surrounded it, the difficult economic circumstances it has faced, or the scarcity of resources it has. This nation has decisively overcome the toughest tests.

Our battle with coronavirus disease is but one of those tough tests that have shown the efficiency of the state, its enduring institutions, and the strength of its army and security forces.

Yes, we have been physically distant, but our hearts and goals have grown closer, so that we can succeed. God blessed us with a clarity of vision and wisdom in decision-making, when we took pre-emptive measures to counter this pandemic, which has had everyone fear for the ones they hold dear, their children and their parents.

All must rise to the responsibility. Jordanians have always been fully dedicated to this homeland, where we live, in security and stability. Let this crisis be one of the milestones we pass successfully, having turned its threats into points of strength and resilience.

My brothers and sisters, the Nashama,

Although this Eid may have lacked the lively visits of relatives and loved ones — as children’s laughter filled only their homes instead of playgrounds and neighbourhoods — let its story be one we tell our children and grandchildren, the story of a nation where their mothers and fathers stood firm to protect their life and their future.

I wish you good health and wellbeing, as you move forward to achieve your aspirations. God willing, may Jordan continue to celebrate these occasions with His blessings.

Happy Eid and happy Independence Day!

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you.”

An official welcoming ceremony was held for His Majesty upon arrival at the Royal Hashemite Court, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania.

The King was received by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti.