June 24, 2010

Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali Thursday chaired at El-Aouina military base the ceremony held on the celebration of the 54th anniversary of the creation of the National Army.

Upon arrival to the military base, the Head of State saluted the flag as the national anthem was performed and reviewed units participating in the military parade held on the occasion.

Then, he delivered the following Order of the Day to all the armed forces units:

''In the Name of God, Merciful and Compassionate,

Officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers,

With great pride, we celebrate today the 54th anniversary of the creation of the National Army.

I am pleased, on this glorious occasion, to convey my warmest congratulations and best wishes to all members of our armed forces, at home and abroad. To all of them, I renew the expression of my consideration and encouragement for the efforts and sacrifices they exert in accomplishing their national duty, with devotion and sincerity, so as to safeguard our country's territorial integrity and invulnerability.

Officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers,

The successive generations that have accomplished their national duty within our armed forces continue to draw from their period of military service the noblest significances and highest values, particularly patriotism and devotion to serving the homeland, defending its dignity, and sacrificing for its sake.

Moreover, the officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers trained in military schools, who have been up to their commitments and have embraced a high sense of discipline, self-denial, honour, loyalty and responsibility, have meritoriously earned our respect, pride and encouragement.

In this context, I take note, with satisfaction, of our armed forces' contributions to the efforts exerted in all fields pertaining to development, the environment and training, and their efficient interventions against natural disasters, and in terms of prevention, relief, rescue and first aid. I also appreciate the fact that our armed forces are in tune with the latest scientific and technological developments, and are keen on mastering modern equipments and optimizing their use.

Having placed youth in the forefront of our concerns and programmes, and having considered training and upgrading as fundamental foundations of our national development, we have given instructions for offering young people access to military vocational training centers and workshops, within or outside the system of national service, so as to help them acquire know-how, to prepare them for new occupations and to offer them further prospects to obtain jobs and achieve integration within the economic system.

Officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers,

I reiterate my confidence in you and in your capacities and commend your sense of patriotism and your commitment to the republican system. I exhort you all to persevere in accomplishing your duty with vigilance and devotion, so that Tunisia remain forever free, glorious and invulnerable.''

After delivering the Order of the Day, the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, handed over their stripes to the servicemen who got promotion and awarded the military medal to others.

Then, President Ben Ali attended a parade of detachments of the three arms as well as military training schools and academies.