His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday attended the official national celebration marking the 69th Independence Day with Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, a Royal Court statement said.
The national anthem was played upon the King’s arrival at Raghadan Palace where the celebration was held and F-16 jets from the Royal Jordanian Air Force performed an aerobatics show.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, Senate President Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh, and Judicial Council President Hisham Tal attended the celebration and delivered speeches.
Ensour said Jordanians celebrate the occasion while taking pride in the country’s achievements and looking forward to a bright future.
The premier added that His Majesty envisions a future where young Jordanians lead the way; the media sector takes on the mantle of freedom, education and awareness; education is progressive; and government institutions serve people rather than rule them.
Rawabdeh commended Jordan’s achievements.
“Celebrating our great achievement is an annual opportunity to review and evaluate our performance. Have we progressed towards our goals? Have we become stronger against our enemies? … We have achieved so much, beyond the limits of our capabilities, and have protected our homeland,” he said.
Tarawneh mostly tackled the issues of war, security and terrorism noting that “we live amidst a turbulent region,” but the country enjoys safety and stability thanks to its security institutions and the awareness of the public.
Tal spoke about the policy and strategy of the Judicial Council, including “supporting the judiciary with graduates from the Judicial Institute of Jordan or qualified lawyers, supervising their progress… and assigning them to courts after they pass training and qualification requirements”.
The King awarded Royal medals to national institutions and a number of pioneers in various sectors for their efforts in building the country and enhancing its progress.
The Royal medals include the Order of Independence, which is one of the first medals ever to be bestowed by the Kingdom on deserving individuals and is divided into five classes, according to the Royal Court.
The Order of Independence is granted to prime ministers, ministers, and ambassadors to the Kingdom upon concluding their tenure in Jordan. It is also given to other achievers based on their level of service and official rank.
The Order of Al Hussein for Distinguished Contributions, issued by His Majesty the late King Hussein on March 29, 1997, is divided into two classes.
The medal is granted to those who have made distinguished contributions to society, according to the Royal Court.
It can be bestowed on any person for any distinguished contribution in any area without limitation.
Royal family members, senior officials and officers, diplomats, representatives of political parties, commissions, syndicates, and civil community institutions attended Monday’s celebration.
