Mafraq: Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Monday sponsored a national celebration organized by the Mafraq Military Veterans Association, marking the 79th Independence Day, Army Day, the Great Arab Revolt anniversary, and the King's Accession to the Throne Day.
According to Jordan News Agency, the event, held at the Military Veterans Club in the presence of Mafraq Governor Firas Abu Al-Ghanam, featured a keynote speech by retired Major General and former MP Ibrahim Shdeifat, the head of the association. He expressed pride in the national occasions as defining milestones in the Jordanian state's journey that embody the symbolism of independence and the legacy of the Great Arab Revolt.
Shdeifat reaffirmed the veterans' unwavering loyalty to His Majesty King Abdullah II, whom he described as the guardian of national unity and the conscience of the nation. He stressed that veterans stand firmly behind the King's national and Arab positions.
He noted that Jordan's achievements across various fields are the result of His Majesty's tireless efforts to build a strong and modern state that upholds the dignity of its people, strengthens its institutions, and advances the principles of a civil state based on rule of law, justice, and equal opportunity.
Shdeifat emphasized that veterans will always remain true to their oath, standing as a second line of defense alongside the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and the security agencies, driven by determination and resolve to safeguard the country's unity, security, and accomplishments.
Retired Major General Adnan Raqad, Director General of the Economic and Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans (ESARSV), also addressed the gathering. He praised Jordan's firm stances under His Majesty King Abdullah II's leadership and the kingdom's unwavering commitment to its pan-Arab and humanitarian principles, particularly its historic role in defending the Palestinian cause.
Raqad highlighted the political, medical, and humanitarian efforts Jordan continues to make under royal directives to support the people of Gaza amid dire conditions, reflecting the kingdom's enduring ethical and humanitarian responsibilities.
He also underscored the powerful and candid messages conveyed in His Majesty's address before the European Parliament, which reaffirmed Jordan's rejection of displacement, resettlement, denial, or liquidation of the Palestinian cause. The speech reiterated Jordan's commitment to the two-state solution as the only path to just and lasting peace, leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and reaffirmed the Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites in Jerusalem as a political responsibility and historical honor.
Raqad concluded by saying that military veterans, who served the nation with pride and loyalty, will remain steadfast in their allegiance to the Hashemite leadership, defenders of national principles, and partners in protecting Jordan and its causes at all times and in all places.
The celebration included a documentary film on Jordan's independence, as well as patriotic music, poetry, and artistic performances celebrating Jordanian pride in the Hashemite leadership and the sacrifices of its service members.
The event, moderated by retired Lieutenant Colonel Mamdouh Shdeifat, concluded with the honoring of several veterans and prominent national figures who have left a lasting mark on Jordan's legacy of achievement and service.