Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-23 02:45:00
President of the Senate led the opening ceremony of the commemorative events of March 29, 1947, yesterday at Anosy.
The official ceremony marking the beginning of the commemorative events of March 29, 1947 took place yesterday. It is a duty of memory aimed at collectively awakening patriotic consciousness in the 21st century.
Patriotism, the foundation of development, is the theme of this year’s commemoration of the 1947 independence uprising on March 29. The kickoff of the events marking the 77th anniversary of this historic event in Madagascar took place yesterday at the Anosy Lake garden.
Yesterday’s official ceremony was chaired by retired General Richard Ravalomanana, President of the Senate. It represents a summary of the various events planned to mark the 77th anniversary of the uprising for independence. On a state level, the commemorations will culminate in two stages. The first will involve a wreath-laying and the symbolic lighting of the flame of patriotism at the mausoleum in Avaratr’Ambohitsaina.
The second stage will be a commemorative ceremony at the martyrs’ monument in Moramanga. Both events will be presided over by Andry Rajoelina, the President of the Republic. In Moramanga, the president is expected to, unless changes occur, inaugurate the senior care center, specifically for veterans, named “Akany Fiadanantsoa,” a commitment made during his first term.
In Moramanga and at the Anosy garden, free consultations and medical care will be offered to seniors aged 70 and above. Free medications will also be distributed as needed. Additionally, photo exhibitions will recount the history of Madagascar’s struggle for independence, particularly highlighting the 1947 uprising.
**Rapprochement**
An outdoor exhibition, accessible to all, is currently taking place at the Anosy garden until March 26. Furthermore, events will be organized in various colleges and high schools across the country. The primary objective of the March 29, 1947 commemorations is to share, ignite, and maintain the flame of patriotism among the younger generations by passing on the country’s history and explaining the current importance of patriotism in Madagascar.
Fundamentally, the connection between the issues of patriotism and the challenges facing the country is the main reason for choosing this year’s theme. Retired General Richard Ravalomanana referred to this relationship in his speech yesterday at Anosy. During the quest for independence, the Malagasy people demonstrated their patriotism through various means, whether through politics, art, the press, or financial support for organizations fighting for independence. Some even sacrificed their lives to free the nation, as evidenced by the martyrs of the March 29, 1947 uprising and movements violently repressed by colonizers.
According to the Senate President, nowadays, patriotism takes on a different form. As indicated by the theme of the 77th anniversary of the uprising for independence, “patriotism is the foundation of development.” The retired general officer maintains that “patriotism [today] consists of the perpetual quest for the country’s development, a development aimed at the well-being of every Malagasy.”
Certainly, the pursuit of individual and family well-being is natural, but patriotism requires going beyond these personal interests to contribute to the country’s development. It can also be manifested by overcoming divisions and valuing what unites citizens to progress together.
*Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson*
Read the original article(French) on lexpress.mg
