The message of good wishes sent by the Government Communication Service for the 17th Flag Day *********** Congratulations on the 17th National Flag Day! Ethiopian Flag Day is celebrated for the 17th time in all parts of our country with the motto “Our flag is for our national unity, sovereignty and the elevation of Ethiopia”. It is by properly understanding the meaning and honor of the day when we stand in front of the flag. Our flag is the common emblem of our national unity. Our flag is a symbol of our freedom, a monument of our strength, an emblem of our victory, a manifestation of our sovereignty and a guarantee of our national unity. The meaning of flag for Ethiopians is abstract and its value is great. The greatest treasure and weapon that Ethiopians carry with them in the parts of the world they reach is the honor and love of the flag drawn in their hearts. The secret of the successes and victories achieved by Ethiopians is linked to the honor and love of the flag. The flag of Ethiopia is a symbol of freedom of Africa. They are ready to make sacrifices for Ethiopia today and tomorrow so that the honor and fame of our flag can be preserved and passed on from generation to generation. It is for the honor of the flag that the brave national defense army breaks its bones and sheds its blood on the battlefield so that the flag will not be violated and the sovereignty of the country will not be endangered. We must not forget for a moment that the honor and sovereignty of our flag, which has been preserved with blood and bones, can be further strengthened when we diligently perform our duties in the field we are engaged in, when we strive to ensure our food sovereignty, when we fight against theft and corrupt practices in our country with a sense of patriotism, when we confirm our determination to continue our peace, and when we can live together in unity. It cannot be said that the sovereignty of a nation and a country that cannot support itself through food has been fully confirmed. This can be ensured only when everyone works hard in their field. Therefore, when we celebrate the flag day, it should be by renewing our promise to fulfill our national responsibility in all fields to strengthen our sovereignty and raise the honor of our flag. “Our flag aims for our national unity, our sovereignty and the height of Ethiopia”