Subject: Sierra Leone's Independence Day Message
Content: I like the speech and read it every year over and again! Yes, Sierra Leone became an independent nation (April 27, 1961) in taking “her place as an equal partner in the Commonwealth of Nations and as an equal entity in the world at large.” But how true have we upheld to these ideals and values as an independent nation? I wonder! I understand that no nation is built in a day or could single-handedly face up to the problems that beget us in suffer thus far. Indeed, Sir Milton cautioned “… that independence will not result in any sudden changes in our day-to-day life …” but I believe the development of our country clearly depends on us and “... that the Sierra Leone Government in future will depend … greatly upon the active support and assistance of each one of you …” and me, in order to make the county worth-living, or a land worth serving. What I have to say is that we should not continue hurting ourselves by the discouraging incites. Building our nation can only be done by wholehearted service and the hard work by you and me. How? I guess repeating it would not hurt but to further buttress the message. We need to first build the structure and safeguards. Furthermore, we have to embrace and uphold good governance as our determination; discourage lawlessness, and in actively striving for peace and happiness, friendship among us; and unity in our country. Remember my sisters and brothers that Sierra Leone is our country, and we have so much unlike other countries; no one else would seek its good interest better than ourselves. If others have done so, we too can. We need perseverance and to be determined to succeed. Or, is it too much to ask of us to do -- in meeting our “own needs?” I think every sector and fabric of our society should be involved in achieving these goals for a better and brighter future. Empires and Kingdoms have come and gone, but I still do have high hopes for the future of our country – Sierra Leone. Encouragingly, the best Sir Milton did and sought in prayer is in saying: “You are seeing history made …. Work hard, for you are the future leaders of your country. We will lay traditions of which you will be proud. It will be for you to uphold them and to build upon them in the future.” These are the foundation of my hope, and it should be yours too. He prayed for God’s help and guidance on that historic day and in the years to come, for God’s blessings on us all. I admonish all Sierra Leoneans to be hopeful.
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