Amman, June 1 (Petra) -- Under the patronage of Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, the National Construction Party, in cooperation with the Jordanian Family Care Association and the Ministry of Culture, held a national celebration on Monday at the Royal Cultural Center to mark the 80th anniversary of the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The event was attended by official, political, cultural and social figures.
Speaking during the ceremony, National Construction Party Secretary-General Barakat Awajan said the kingdom was built on the awareness of its people and the wisdom of the Hashemite leadership. He noted that Jordanians achieved independence through their own determination and efforts, becoming partners in building the state, strengthening its institutions and safeguarding its achievements.
Awajan said the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army had written some of the nation’s most distinguished chapters in defending the homeland and the Arab nation. He added that the 1922 decision by the League of Nations to exempt the Emirate of Transjordan from the provisions of the Balfour Declaration, through the efforts of the late King Abdullah I, represented a historic achievement and a genuine precursor to Jordan’s independence.
He reviewed key milestones in Jordan’s history, beginning with Sharif Hussein bin Ali, leader of the Great Arab Revolt, followed by King Abdullah I, the late King Talal bin Abdullah, the late King Hussein bin Talal, and concluding with His Majesty King Abdullah II, who has continued the path of national development, modernization and achievement.
For his part, Khaled Attiyat, chairman of the Jordanian Family Care Association, said independence was more than a political event, describing it as the foundation of national identity, human dignity and the values of belonging and responsibility. He emphasized that the Hashemite leadership had played a central role in safeguarding national sovereignty and strengthening Jordan’s stability and standing.
Historian Omar Al-Armouti reviewed milestones in Jordan’s independence journey, including events surrounding Independence Day on May 25, 1946. He noted that the Marka area witnessed a major military parade involving different branches of the Arab Army and attended by Arab and foreign delegations and diplomats.
Al-Armouti said Jordan’s development over the past decades reflected the wisdom of the Hashemite leadership, the awareness of the Jordanian people and the vigilance of the armed forces and security agencies, enabling the kingdom to confront regional and international challenges while safeguarding its national interests.
The celebration featured a short documentary chronicling Jordan’s independence journey, as well as a heritage performance by the Knights of the Badia Troupe.
Several prominent Jordanians who contributed to the building of the nation and the consolidation of its independence were honored during the event. Those recognized included former prime minister Ibrahim Hashem, Falah Al-Madadha, Sheikh Nazzal Al-Armouti, retired Major General Ahmad Al-Jundi, Sheikh Ahmad bin Alawi Al-Saqqaf, and retired Major General Hikmat Mihyar. Commemorative shields were received on their behalf by family members and representatives in recognition of their national contributions.
The ceremony also included patriotic and poetic performances by poets Ali Al-Faouri, Adnan Al-Saudi and Sarah Al-Suheil. Their poems celebrated Jordan, its leadership and people, recalled the sacrifices of Jordanians throughout history, and highlighted the role of the Hashemites in building the state and preserving its security and stability. The poems emphasized the values of independence and national unity and portrayed Jordan as a continuing oasis of security and stability.
On the sidelines of the event, the military band of the Jordan Armed Forces presented patriotic performances. A photo exhibition documenting the history of the Arab Army and major milestones of Jordan’s independence was also inaugurated, alongside an art exhibition by Jordanian artist Nidal Abu Zeina.
//Petra// AF
