(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, June 9 (Petra)-- Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and His Royal Highness
crown prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Sunday attended the national event marking the Silver Jubilee, held on the 25th Accession to the Throne Day.
On this national occasion,
his majesty delivered an address to the nation, stressing that Jordanians have earned global respect for their stances, principles, humanity, and noble values.
The King said the past twenty-five years have abounded with achievements.
"I am proud to be Jordanian; for Jordan is achievement during the harshest of circumstances, perseverance during the most difficult of times, and standing firm by what is right during the toughest of situations," His Majesty added.
The King stressed that the Jordanian identity is and will always remain a source of strength that brings all Jordanians together in the face of danger.
"This is the Jordan to which we belong, the Jordan we built together," His Majesty said.
Following is the English translation of the King's speech:
"In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
My brothers and sisters,
Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you,
It has been twenty-five years since I have shouldered the responsibility of serving our homeland our dear Jordan, its land and honourable people. I see in them men, women, and youth, with their heads held high and their values deeply rooted.
I see in them the brave soldier rushing to the border to aid a mother and her children, taking them to safety; the humane doctor who does not hesitate for a moment to assist his fellow brothers and sisters under shelling and in the thick of battle.
I see a teacher's devotion to the noblest of callings to raise a generation, and a youth's determination to take the initiative and make achievements to build the nation.
And in every corner of this great nation, I see the sacrifices of fathers and mothers who have not spared an effort for the betterment of their children.
I see the Jordanian who has persevered and excelled; rushing to provide aid in times of need; supporting a fellow brother or sister who suffered injustice; providing shelter to those seeking it; representing a model in defending and sacrificing for the nation's causes; learning the values of chivalry in the ranks of our Armed Forces and security agencies, and having the honour to sacrifice for this nation and gain the respect of us all.
I see men and women who continue to build, create, and innovate to put Jordan at the forefront wherever they are.
This is the essence of the Jordanian I know and take great pride in before the whole world, confident in my great people, who have earned global respect for their stances, principles, humanity, and noble values.
My Jordanian family,
I stand before you today after a journey of a quarter of a century. Twenty-five years that were never without challenges, but have abounded with your achievements at times that crises took the world by storm, during which we faced together the ramifications of unprecedented wars and crises in the region.
And our Jordanian identity is and will always remain our source of strength that brings us together in the face of danger, and with it we protected the progress of our state and society. We united behind the flag to counter the khawarej and those who incited sedition; and we overcame regional chaos, protecting Jordan from its impact.
We have never hesitated. Confidently, we built, we developed, we strived, we succeeded, we made mistakes, and we were always keen to modernise and readjust, without deviating from our goals and ambitions.
And we will never hesitate. With your determination, we have withstood the most difficult of tests, and we have proven together that this country is strong and enduring in the face of all difficulties. Jordan remains resilient, steady against changing circumstances, and always the first to answer the call of duty.
This all is the source of my confidence in Jordan, and I have full faith that we can, with a clear vision, confidently move forward towards the future we deserve without hesitation, fear, or surrender.
Success today is rooted in human talents, competencies, and capabilities. Jordan is rich in its youth's potential, as well as its capabilities, expertise, and economic relations with the world, and we have broad horizons to increase investment in many promising fields and sectors.
We all have the responsibility of comprehensive modernisation and unleashing our economic potential in the coming years, for a Jordan where opportunities are enhanced and achievements are maximised for present and future generations. I am fully confident that Jordanians are up to the task of continuing the process of modernisation and progress towards a greater future.
My brothers and sisters,
Today, I stand among a proud and resilient people, whom I have the honour to faithfully serve. I am proud to be Jordanian; for Jordan is achievement during the harshest of circumstances, perseverance during the most difficult of times, and standing firm by what is right during the toughest of situations.
This is the Jordan to which we belong, the Jordan we built together.
And today, I thank you, for you have always been by my side; from my big family across this great nation, I draw the will and optimism, and from my small family, love and strength. My pledge to you is that Jordan will remain free, dignified, safe, and secure.
Together, we will remain on the pledge; may God grant us success.
Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you."
Upon Their Majesties' arrival to the event venue surrounded by the Red Motorcade, the national anthem was played and Royal Jordanian Air Force fighter jets conducted a fly-past.
Around 9,000 Jordanians attended the event, including members of the Royal family, senior officials and officers, and diplomats from Arab and foreign countries.
The event highlighted Jordan's achievements throughout a quarter of a century, through a military parade by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and security agencies, showcasing the latest developments in these national institutions, reflecting the high professionalism and commitment of its personnel.
Around 3,200 personnel from all military and security formations and units marched before the stands.
The military parade also showcased various JAF vehicles, including tanks, cannons, and other weapons recently introduced to service, as well as defence machinery manufactured by the Jordan Design and Development Bureau, along with air shows by the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and free falling paratroopers.
The JAF musical band also performed at the event.
During the event, His Majesty and the attendees saluted border guards and anti-terrorism troops, as well as cadres who participated in airdrops to Gaza and worked at the field hospitals in the strip, in recognition of their efforts, and their role in safeguarding Jordan's stability.
The event also featured cultural and folklore segments representing all governorates performed by over 1000 young men and women, with 12 floats representing each governorate.
A group of young Jordanians performed the Silver Jubilee anthem and another national song composed for the occasion.
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