Afghanistan Times
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AT-KABUL: With the Independence Day round the corner, the nationalist fervor is gripping the atmosphere and preparations for celebrating the national festival are picking up in the private and state institutions. Preparations for the 96th Independence Day in Afghanistan has begun in the different places of the country. Major cities in the country will be on high tide security during the Independence Day.
The Independence Day is celebrated every year on August 19. This year’s theme is the “Day of National Defense”. The nation will pay rich tribute to the Afghan security forces who rendered matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism to defend the country. Despite having little or no air support and lacking modern weapons, Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) had stunned many while exhibiting tremendous capabilities.
The vice president’s office said the Independence Day would be celebrated with great zeal.
In a consultative meeting with media, the deputy chief of staff at the vice president’s office, Homayoon Khairi, said that President Ashraf Ghani has issued a decree, ordering relevant authorities for preparations.
A major ceremony will be organized at the Presidential Palace. A flag-hoisting ceremony will also be held at the Presidential Palace which would be followed by the speech of President Ghani. National and international dignitaries and guests will attend the ceremony.
Khairi said that preparations are underway for the ceremony. A special commission comprising of four committees (protocol, procurement, cultural and security) has been established in this regard. The commission is headed by the first vice-president, Gen. Abdul Rasheed Dostum.
He said that imams have been urged to focus on importance of the country’s independence. He asked media for special transmission and coverage on the Independent Day.
The deputy spokesman of Ministry of Defense, Dawlat Waziri, said that the Independent Day would be celebrated with pomp and show. He said that ambassadors and other high-ranking foreign and national officials would attend the Independence Day ceremonies.
Singers and students will sing patriotic songs on the Independence Day. Residents of all major and small cities and towns, including but not limited to Jalalabad, Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, Ghazni City, and Gardez, are busy in decorating markets, public and private institutions and buildings with national flags.
