Luanda – Angola’s head of State João Lourenço paid tribute to the heroes of the homeland, during a Flag Monument Hoisting Ceremony on the 47th anniversary of proclamation of National Independence held Friday (11).
The raising of the Flag Monument in the atrium of the National Museum of Military History, also honours the citizens who contributed to the National Independence, peace and progress of Angola.
Accompanied by the first lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, President João Lourenço reviewed the defence and security forces, witnessed the singing of the national anthem.
Hoisted on a 75-meter high pole, the flag, 18 meters long and 12 meters wide, weighs 40 kilograms.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Carolina Cequeira, said that it was 47 years of glory and national pride, which oblige Angolans to preserve national unity.
Carolina Cequeira stressed that in the context of the 11th of November Angola and Angolans are called to value the combined effort, for the promotion of sustainable development and well-being.
The President of the Supreme Court Joel Leonardo, who also attended the ceremony, conveyed to Angolans a message of peace and hope for the future.
In turn, the MPLA vice-president, Luísa Damião, considered 47 years of many achievements in the political, economic and social domains.
"Angolans must continue to work for a more democratic, inclusive and more modern Angola", expressed the leader.
While the leader of the opposition UNITA party Adalberto da Costa Júnior, said that independence results from paths of blood and struggle dedicated to the country.
He stressed the need for the preservation of National Independence to demand national cohesion, dedication and hard work from Angolans.
The leader of the Humanist Party of Angola (PHA), Florbela Malaquias, said it was a day of reflection, while she appeals to Angolans for the continuous search for the ideals of independence.
For the president of the PRS, Benedito Daniel, today the country is experiencing a day of joy and unity. He noted that "nothing is more important to a people than their freedom".
Bendito Daniel described the freedom as the great gain ever achieved by Angolans.
