Ajloun, March 1 (Petra) - Public figures and retired military personnel in Ajloun expressed pride, honor and loyalty while recalling the 70th anniversary of the Arabization of the command of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army, which falls on March 1 each year, affirming that it is a cherished national occasion and a major milestone in the history of the Jordanian state that strengthened its sovereignty and independent national decision-making.

They told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the Arabization decision taken by the late King Hussein bin Talal in 1956 represented a historic turning point in Jordan’s path, embodying the free national will to build a national army under purely Jordanian leadership with a firm doctrine dedicated to defending the homeland and safeguarding its achievements.

President of Ajloun National University Feras Al-Hanandeh said, "Today we recall this occasion to pay tribute to the bearer of the Hashemite banner and the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, His Majesty King Abdullah II, who set the highest example of leadership and guidance for serving and retired comrades-in-arms, so that the army’s doctrine remains a beacon for this steadfast fortress. The military structure has become a model of sacrifice and giving in the country’s comprehensive development and modernization drive despite regional challenges." Retired Major General Saleh Al-Ababneh said the anniversary will remain deeply rooted in the conscience of Jordanians because it affirmed the Hashemite leadership’s ability to make courageous decisions that enhanced Jordan’s regional and international standing and consolidated reliance on national expertise in leading the military institution, which has proven its readiness and efficiency across various fields over decades.

President of the Ajloun Chamber of Commerce and former MP Arab Al-Smadi said the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army, under its Hashemite leadership, has always remained the nation’s protective shield, performing its duties with high efficiency and competence while drawing guidance from the royal directives of King Abdullah II, who continues the path of modernization and strengthening the army’s capabilities in line with regional and international developments.

Director of the Military Retirees Club, Retired Colonel Habib Muqatash, said the Arabization decision was not merely an administrative measure but a clear declaration of the completion of national sovereignty and the consolidation of modern state-building based on strong institutions led by loyal and competent Jordanians.

Retired Colonel Mahmoud Shraideh said Arabization contributed to raising the morale of the armed forces personnel at the time and strengthened public confidence in national institutions, noting that the Arab Army has continued to play its national and humanitarian role efficiently, whether in defending the Kingdom’s borders or participating in international peacekeeping missions.

Retired Lieutenant Rateb Al-Ananzeh said the occasion recalls the sacrifices made by the Arab Army’s valiant personnel in order to elevate Jordan’s security and stability, stressing the importance of introducing younger generations to these historical milestones that formed essential pillars in building the state.

Retired military officer Hikmat Fraihat said the Arabization decision strengthened the presence of Jordanian women in the military institution over the years and opened opportunities for them to contribute in various positions, noting that the Jordan Armed Forces have remained a national school of belonging and dedication.

Retired military personnel Hussein Al-Momani said the anniversary of the Arabization of the Army Command reflects the deep relationship between the Hashemite leadership, the armed forces and the Jordanian people, a relationship based on mutual trust, loyalty and belonging, affirming that the Arab Army will remain the nation’s protective shield under the leadership of King Abdullah II, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

//Petra// AF