The Presidency of the Republic said, in a statement to which VerAngola had access, that João Loureço delivered this Tuesday Orders and Medals "to a large group of civil and military personalities, as a form of public recognition of the homeland for its achievements in favor of the good of Angola and the Angolans".
Speaking at the ceremony, João Lourenço stressed that this Tuesday is the 21st anniversary of the "date on which the weapons were definitively silenced in Angola" and that "to build together peace and national reconciliation among all Angolans, regardless of the place of birth, religious confession, ideological convictions or political party affiliation of each one".
The head of state also stressed that "the achievements achieved here in all areas, in terms of the fundamental rights and guarantees of citizens, the economy and gains in the social area, were only possible because the country and Angolans, in general, have known preserve this essential good, which is peace and national reconciliation, on which all depend in order to prosper".
João Lourenço said that peace and national reconciliation "were conquered" on April 4, 2022, "but they must be built and preserved" in the 365 days of the year, "all the years of our lives, in every gesture, in every word, in every attitude and behavior of the Angolan citizen".
In his speech, he also took the opportunity to evoke "the name and memory" of José Eduardo dos Santos, regarded as an "architect of peace": "On this date of recording and reflection, we evoke the name and memory of President José Eduardo dos Santos, the architect of peace and national reconciliation, a statesman who knew how to interpret the will of the people on the need for a fraternal embrace between brothers, for the reunion of the great Angolan family", he said.
Thus, he continues, "we wanted to take advantage of this important fact to recognize the achievements and patriotism of Angolans in general, here represented by civilians and soldiers who distinguished themselves in the fight for national independence, in the defense of national sovereignty and in the conquest and preservation of peace and national reconciliation and who, for this reason, were awarded in this solemn ceremony with Orders and Medals of different grades and classes".
"The Nation is eternally grateful for everything I built for Angola and Angolans", he added.
The President of the Republic also highlighted youth: "April is not only the month of peace and national reconciliation, but also the month of Angolan youth. It was young people who, for many years, saw their student or professional careers, temporarily or permanently interrupted, to serve the homeland in defense of national sovereignty and territorial integrity".
João Lourenço stressed that it is "this same youth, which with the achievement of peace, has been rebuilding the country's infrastructure", adding that "youth has always been a determining force for the development" of the country, being, therefore, need "to take good care of her, transmitting her the values of patriotism, ethics, civic spirit, love of work, dedication to studies and reading, defense of the environment and nature, respect and protection for the elderly, child and woman".
He also said that one should make the most of "the full potential" of youth. "Let's make the most of all the potential of our youth, their inner strength, energy, vigor, intelligence, innovative and enterprising spirit, to better serve our country," he said.
On the occasion, he also congratulated the young people: "In this month of youth, I congratulate all young Angolans, in Angola and in the diaspora, for their month, for everything they have done and are still doing for the good of Angola and Angolans".
