Observing an august day

Independence Day is always an occasion to take stock of the country’s situation, to celebrate the strides taken forward, but also to see where things are faltering and adopt measures to tackle shortcomings.

This past year, the greatest satisfaction has been to see the country stable and secure despite the crises, conflicts and flashpoints in the entire neighbourhood.

The nation continued with steady steps on the road to democratisation, conducting free and fair national and local elections, creating institutions that bolster democracy and maintaining the economy stable, quite a feat in view of the many difficulties faced by a country with meagre resources like ours.

Independence Day should be a time when citizens count their blessings and make resolutions to strengthen gains and work hard to help the country advance even further.

Whenever a conflict rages in the region, the country where people seek refuge, and that gracefully grants it, is Jordan.

This is testimony to the fact that the Kingdom is a safe haven for people of any origin or religion, a country whose generous inhabitants never fail to show hospitality, a trait they are famous for.

Independence Day will be observed in different ways by different people. Whatever citizens choose to do on this august day, they have to remember that it is the sensible leadership and their own wisdom that makes Jordan what it is: a modern, civilised country where people live in harmony and work hard to overcome hardships.

Our forefathers fought to bring independence to the country. It now is a long way from where it started, yet there is still a great deal to be done to bring it closer to the developing world.

It is only through collective effort that it can reach there. Through constructive, positive attitude that, while seeing shortcomings, does not stop at criticising, but comes up with solutions, leads by example, gives and does not only expect to be given.

Happy Independence Day!