Independence Day Celebration in Chicago

          Eritrean nationals in Chicago were polarized for sometime due to secondary issues. Thanks to the competent and even-handed conflict resolution of Mr. Berhane Gebrehiwet from the Eritrean Embassy, an atmosphere of mutual respect and congeniality has finally prevailed. The unnecessary barriers are now dismantled and common objectives are pursued. It is amidst this kind of reconciliation and embracing of one another that the Independence Day Anniversary was celebrated. As always, Independence Day Anniversary Celebration is not only the underscoring of the triumph over the enemy but also the affirmation of and allegiance to national unity!

          Having a family picnic on Independence Day was a novel idea as far as Chicago was concerned. This was fantastic and we are grateful to the Eritrean communities from whom we borrowed the idea. The sunny skies, the cool breeze, the scrumptious food and nostalgic music and above all the huge turn out graced by soccer players from the mid-western states and an army of children made this day pleasant and memorable. We affirmed and flaunted our identity as Eritrean-American by hoisting and waiving both the Eritrean and the American flag. We listened to numerous patriotic songs and expressed our jubilation.

          Most of the picnic goers were displaying, rather proudly flaunting, a tag with the inscription “I have contributed to the fund benefiting the families of Eritrean Martyrsâ€Â?. This tag was instrumental in instilling a sense of being a part of a worthy cause. The committee used this occasion not only to commend the contributors but also to exhort the non-contributors  so far to shoulder the responsibility entrusted by the martyrs. The committee tried to raise additional fund by selling raffle tickets. The prizes comprised of a 10-speed bicycle and a copy of Journey from Nakfa to Nakfa by Dr. Tekeste Fecadu. The lucky winners of the bicycle and the book were Gebrenegus Araia and Fitwi Gaim respectively. The winner of the bicycle was generous enough to donate it back to the fund.

          The Independence Day Celebration was enriched with sport activities involving soccer tournament among several mid-western teams. In these competitive matches, the Hidri team from Minnesota was the first winner, followed by Dahlak team from Chicago as second and Sawa team from St. Louis in the third place. From the junior league, all of which came from Chicago, Masawa team finished first, followed by Hrdi team as second and Awate team in the third place. This provided a great deal of entertainment and enhanced camaraderie among the players. 

          The Independence Day Celebration reached its climax on Sunday evening. More than four hundred nationals participated in the gala.  The music was heavenly, the food prepared by the Eritrean women was delicious, the service was efficient and the conduct was orderly and friendly!

Awet NHafash!!

Girmai Berhe and Mihreteab Gebrehiiwet