Amman, July 25 (Petra) -- Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Saturday attended a ceremony in Madaba marking kingdom's national occasions, organized by retired military personnel at the invitation of retired Brigadier General Eid Abu Wandi.

The event brought together retired servicemen, government officials and community representatives in a celebration of loyalty to Jordan and the Hashemite leadership while commemorating key milestones in the country's history and achievements.

The ceremony, moderated by retired Lieutenant Colonel Hussein Al-Maharmeh, was attended by Adviser to His Majesty King Abdullah II for Tribal Affairs, Kneiaan Bluwi, Chief Islamic Justice Abdul Hafez Al-Rabtah, Madaba Governor Hassan Al-Jbour, retired military personnel and members of the local community.

Abu Wandi said the gathering celebrated Jordan's national occasions in a country that enjoys security and stability, reaffirming loyalty to His Majesty King Abdullah II and the commitment of retired servicemen to continue supporting the King's leadership.

He also praised the Royal Hashemite Court for implementing royal initiatives and maintaining close engagement with Jordanian citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the Economic and Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans (ESARSV), retired Brigadier General Akef Al-Abadi said the national celebrations commemorate a journey shaped by the Hashemites' leadership and the determination of Jordanians.

He reaffirmed participants' commitment to preserving Jordan's security, stability and national unity, describing the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies as the cornerstone of the modern Jordanian state and a symbol of the country's strength and sovereignty.

Retired Major General Imad Saliba Maayah said the celebrations honor Independence Day, Army Day and the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.

He said the Great Arab Revolt laid the foundations of the Jordanian state and that its legacy continues under the Hashemite leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, supported by HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.

Head of the Greater Madaba Municipality Committee Haitham Jweinat said the national occasions reflect the history of a nation built through sacrifice, dedication and a strong sense of belonging, adding that Independence Day remains a milestone in the development of the modern Jordanian state based on the principles of freedom, sovereignty and dignity.

Daher Ahmad Amro delivered a speech expressing his pride in both Jordan and Palestine, describing Jordan as the country where he was raised and Palestine as the country of his birth.

He recalled the Battle of Karameh, saying it restored the dignity of the Arab nation during a period of weakness, and stressed that safeguarding Jordan remains a shared responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of non-commissioned officers, First Warrant Officer Abdel Fattah Al-Hayek said the national occasions provide an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and security agencies who have protected Jordan's security and stability.

He added that retired servicemen continue serving the country beyond the end of their military careers and renewed their pledge of loyalty to His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Hashemite leadership.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Basma Abu Slaih, speaking on behalf of retired servicewomen, extended congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah II, HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein, and the Jordanian people on the national occasions.

She said the anniversaries tell a story of pride and sacrifice by previous generations whose dedication ensured that Jordan remains a free, secure and proud nation.

Mansour Al-Hawatmeh, who was introduced as the youngest student combatant in the 1973 Golan War, said the Great Arab Revolt marked a historic turning point in the Arab world's history by promoting the principles of freedom, dignity and unity.

He said Jordanians commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the armed forces with pride, highlighting their role in defending the country and their humanitarian contributions.

The ceremony also featured poetry recitals by Ibrahim Al-Rawahneh, Faleh Al-Subailah, Saeed Yacoub and young poet Ahmad Al-Halaibeh Al-Azaydeh, all celebrating the Hashemite leadership and Jordan's achievements. Poet Muthanna Al-Azaydeh dedicated a poem to the Crown Prince.

The program included recorded excerpts from speeches by His Majesty King Abdullah II and the late King Hussein bin Talal, followed by the presentation of awards honoring a number of retired military personnel and other distinguished figures.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Issawi received a commemorative shield carrying a message from retired servicemen to His Majesty King Abdullah II, as well as another honorary shield. He also presented commemorative shields to a number of civilian and military figures on behalf of the organizers.

Issawi also received an honorary shield from the Knights of Change Association for Political Development and Civil Society Development – Madaba Branch.

//Petra// AF