Note: You are receiving this message because you are using an outdated browser, in order to view this site as intended we recommend that you upgrade your browser to one that supports web standards.

Skip to: Navigation | Announcements | Content

Recent Articles


On 8th Course Graduation

December 08, 2003 Posted by Webmaster

His Imperial Majesty's address on passing of the 8th course, November 1967.

"It is with a deep and lively sense of satisfaction that We are present here today to commission the cadets of the eighth graduating class of the Harar Military Academy.

When We determined upon the creation of this Academy, We were fully aware that, together with raw courage and bravery, - Qualities which the Ethiopian people possess inn abundance, - the tools of modern warfare are essential to sustain and defend the nation. We were impelled by the determination that, should these ever be needed, they would be at Our disposal in answer to Our call.

We have, throughout the lifetime of this institution, sought to insure that the young men who passed through the training afforded here would emerge sound and strong in body and skilled in the techniques which modern technology has placed at the disposal of the modern military establishment. But, equally important We purposed that the young officers commissioned upon completing their courses here would have a deeper insight into the true nature of the role which they are being called upon to play in the life of their nation and in the conduct of the affairs of their country.

A military academy is, by its very nature, dedicated to the education of young men in the call of duty ? the defense of their Motherland. Military cadets must, of course, have learned much of weaponry and of the table of organization of the nation's defense forces. They must have received training in the command of the men who will be placed under their leadership, and have learned the basic principles concerning the disposition of their men and arms in times of crisis and in battle.

But there is much more which they must have learned during their years of instruction. They must know of the illustrious history of their forefathers who, in war and in peace, set a glorious example to these, their children's children, and placed them under the duty of living up to the high standards thus established. They must know that, in peace as in war, the military has a great and a noble task to discharge. Physical security alone is not enough for the peaceful development of the nation; there must also be the sense, the awareness of security which can come only from the demonstrated capacity of the nation's armed forces to meet whatever challenge is flung down to them. And, as has been repeatedly demonstrated in recent years, the military themselves can often serve as the catalysts to spark off sustain and encourage the development of the civilian surroundings in which they are posted. There are manifold ways of serving one's country in this connection. But the noblest way is in consecrating and sacrificing one's life for its freedom and independence.

All of this, and more We believe that you have learned here. You should be cognizant of the magnificent opportunity afforded you to receive the education which has been afforded at this Academy. You should strive to maintain the learning which you have acquired. In this age, when technological developments succeed one another with dizzying rapidity, if you ignore the latest developments in your chosen field of concentration, you will regret it. If you do so, you will prove unworthy of those who have laboured so long and so arduously to bring you to this splendid culmination of your training. You must prove to yourselves and to your subordinates that you are worthy, decent and responsible officers. You must prove yourselves loyal sons of Ethiopia, devoted to her interests and to the protection of her millenia-oid heritage and her sacred soil. We are confident that you will do so.
It is heartening to note that the cadets who have been sent from this Academy to military institutions abroad for further training have reflected credit upon their nation. We were particularly gratified to learn that one of these young men stood first among the overseas cadets at Sandhurst last year.

We are aware of Ethiopia's good fortune in the successive groups of devoted Indian officers who have during the short life of this Academy, brought to their work an energy and a dedication which befits the high purpose which the Academy espouses. We have, as well, followed closely the program whereby foreign members of the Academy's staff are handing over their responsibilities to their qualified Ethiopian counter parts. To all of them, Ethiopian and Indian alike, and to the Government of India, We extend Our thanks, as We do to all who have contributed in any measure to the achievement of this proud day."