By Israa Jamal (news report) KUWAIT, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait celebrates its Independence Day on Feburary 25, when the Gulf nation ended the British protectorate and began the march towards development and construction in a path paved by its people under a wise leadership.
The turning point was in 1961, the year when the State of Kuwait ended decades-long of British protectorate to start an era of sovereignty and steady steps to solidifying national identity and cementing solidarity amongst the people.
The Kuwaiti people remember with pride their countrymen whose sacrifices contributed to stability and security of the State of Kuwait, cementing the belief that the march of independence, which began more than six decades ago, continues with further accomplishments.
The State of Kuwait celebrated its first independence anniversary in June 1962. A military parade was held at the old airport, located near Al-Burai'si Gate (Kuwait City in present time), attended by cheerful officials and citizens.
Then Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said in a speech the State of "Kuwait embraces the first anniversary of its national day with hearts filled with joy because of Allah has blessed its people with dignity and souls filled with determination, to move forward in building this nation, working with high spirit to achieve progress, prosperity and social justice for all citizens." Kuwait gained its independence on June 19, 1961, when the Declaration of Independence was signed and the 1899 protectorate agreement was cancelled. A decree was issued on May 18, 1964, merging the National Day with the Day when late Amir Abdullah Al-Salem assumed office, to be February 25.
Changing the anniversary date was due to practical reasons and weather conditions, which is usually hot in June. The leadership sought to change the date because the weather was pleasant in February thus the public would participate in outdoors events and celebrations.
Streets and buildings are decorated with Kuwait flags and lights depicting colors of the flag. Military and public parades are held, in addition to entertainment and cultural events, and fireworks.
Since 1962, Kuwait began strengthening its political system, establishing a Constituent Assembly with a mandate of writing a constitution based on democratic principles that applied to the unique nature of the State.
The main achievement of the constituent Assembly was the draft constitution, which was ratified by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem in November 1962, paving way for the first legislative elections on January 23, 1963.
In the past 65 years, the State of Kuwait realized many achievements at all levels, while also playing a pivotal role in regional and international files.
State of Kuwait became a hub for humanitarian assistance. Late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah was honored by the UN in September 2014 as the Humanitarian Leader and Kuwait as a center of humanitarian action.
Kuwait has been following a balance foreign policy, believing in friendship and peace, human development and economic prosperity.
The State of Kuwait, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, continues the march of development, construction and stability.
Kuwait and its people will always remember that the independence day was an occasion to reaffirm their loyalty and belonging to their state. (end) aja.bs