From: Ogbazgy A.Asmerom (ogbazgy@gmail.com)
Date: Wed Jun 30 2010 - 23:05:10 EDT
Eritrean Martyrs’ Day Observed in Cincinnati
By Ogbazgy A. Asmerom
On June 20, 2010, Eritreans and Eritrean-Americans who reside in Cincinnati,
Ohio, observed Eritrean Martyrs’ Day at Mt. Alms Park, which is in the
eastern suburb of the city.
The local Eritrean National Holidays Coordinating Committee organized the
solemn day of observance of June 20. Due to some technical difficulties, the
location and directions of the park were not available to the residents on a
timely manner, and some have claimed that it was too far away from the
traditional locations they were used to attending to commemorate the
occasion. Nevertheless, more than 120 people were present at the Park.
Hadese Alem, the chairperson of the Committee, welcomed the participants. He
reminded the participants that everyone should remember to set aside a time
for reflection on June 20 and to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice paid by
the thousands of Eritrean freedom fighters to usher Eritrean independence
for their kinfolks. As a result, Eritrea gained its independence on 24 May
1991. He also reminded the participants to stay united and remain focused on
what is good and best in each other’s personality.
Tekle Asgedom, chairperson of the Eritrean Community in the city, welcomed
the participants to the Park and wished the service to proceed with good
spirit. He also acknowledged the dedication and commitment shown by the
local Eritrean National Holidays Coordinating Committee. The other members
of the National Holidays Coordinating Committee, Nigisty Tewelde, Mahari
Tesfai, Zegeye Ghebremariam, and Zaid Tesfai also contributed a lot to make
the event successful and memorable. Each one did his/her part very well.
Abraham Tesfay, an untiring person to teach Eritrean history, and who knows
a lot about the history of the national struggle for independence, prepared
about 30 General Knowledge questions about events in Eritrean History. He
asked five individuals to compete. The winners got some prizes.
The program began with a moment of silence. Statements such as “Let us
remember JUNE 20; keep the legacy of our martyrs alive, our memory is our
pride, and it was through sacrifice that Eritrea became independent”
decorated the Shelter at Alms Park. New Eritrean flags brought from Asmara
festooned the shelter. Flags flying within the shelter displayed the Red,
Blue, Yellow, and Green colors. This was another moving moment to
remember!
At the center of the shelter was a flatbed container that was full of sand.
Each participant took a candle, lit it, and placed it on the trough of sand.
This moving moment symbolized the burning and sacrificing of former Eritrean
freedom fighters in the Eritrean national struggle, which made Eritrea free
and independent. The statement for 20 June that was issued by the Eritrean
Embassy to the Eritreans in the Diaspora was read to the participants of the
service.
Tekeste Alem read a poem titled “Mobae”, loosely translated “Offering”, that
explained the meaning of June 20 to Eritreans, and the ultimate sacrifices
paid by Eritrean Freedom fighters. Genet Tekle read what Arsiema Haile, her
cousin, wrote about the meaning of 20 June for Eritreans. Over the weekend,
Arsiema and her family members left for Eritrea to see their ancestors’
land.
About three years ago, an Association to support the families of Eritrean
Martyrs was formed in the city. On 6/20/10, it was able to collect more than
$1,500.00. At this time, the Association has more than 30 members.
Most of the expenses for the commemoration service were covered by certain
individuals and families who made pledges last year. Nigisty and Zaid
provided most of the food items. Zaid Tesfai prepared salad. Nigisty Tewelde
prepared other food items. Almaz Haile, Hansu Haile, Elsa Sbahtu, Asemash
Abraham, Alamz Mesfin, and Muna Kebede also provided other supplies and
items. Saba Mehari and Asmarina Seltene paid for the Shelter at the Park.
Water was provided by Hadese Alem, Zegeye Ghebremariam, and Bereket Kidane.
Haile Mehansho, Tekle Asgedom, Philipos Zegay, and Yohannes Debesay donated
cash to cover he expenses. Nigisty Redae prepared coffee. Some of the
donated food items were sold and netted about $531.00. The money will be
sent to the appropriate authorities to be used for the support of the
children of martyred Eritrean soldiers.
Zaid Tesfai, treasurer of the National Holidays Committee, bought some
needed supplies and items that were needed for the occasion. All of these
pledges demonstrated what Eritreans could do when they decide to freely
donate their time, resources, and energies, and remain united for a common
goal and purpose. Some families have pledged to donate some monies and other
items to cover the expenses for next year, June 20, 2011.
Finally, the participants paid homage to the thousands of Eritreans who
sacrificed their lives so that Eritrea would be free and independent, and
wished for next year to commemorate June 20 in a better mood, spirit, and
dedication. The event ended at 7:15 pm.
During the commemoration service, petition letters written to President
Barack Obama to lift the illegal, irrational, unfair, and unjust UN
sanctions imposed on Eritrea on 23 December 2009, were collected. So far,
several individuals have written personal letters to the president to show
some understanding about the self-sustaining and self-sufficiency position
of the Eritrean government and its people, and direct his Administration to
lift the sanctions.
News about the ongoing Tigrigna and Eritrean history classes for the local
young people was shared with the participants. Currently, there are about 15
students taking the classes.
These positive efforts have opened good channels of communication to work
together in observing the Eritrean National Holidays, which are observed by
all Eritreans and Eritrean-Americans in the Diaspora as well as by Eritreans
in Eritrea. The observance is similar to what we observe in the US as
Memorial Day and remember those who died in the battle fields to defend the
the nation and citizens from inside as well as outside enemies. Through
these coordinated efforts, various groups in the city have started working
together, produced tangible results, and positive communication channels
within the community.
THE END
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