Ambassador's speech on the occasion of the commemoration of May 8, 1945
Address by the Ambassador on the Commemoration of May 8, 1945
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we stand in reverence and solemnity before a memory etched in the conscience of the Algerian nation: the massacres of May 8, 1945, which marked a decisive turning point in the Algerian people's struggle for freedom, dignity, and sovereignty. On this day, our brothers and sisters took to the streets in peaceful marches, demanding their natural right to a free life, raising the banner of hope after the end of World War II. However, the colonial power met their peaceful demonstrations with unparalleled brutality, perpetrating horrific massacres in Sétif, Guelma, and Kherrata, and claiming the lives of tens of thousands of innocent martyrs.
This commemoration is not merely a historical event we recall each year; it is a renewed lesson in the meaning of sacrifice and in the ability of peoples to transform pain into strength, injustice into will, and despair into a comprehensive liberation project. After those bloody events, Algerians realized that independence is not granted but seized, and that freedom is not begged for but forged through the patience and faith of its people. From the depths of that tragedy, the spark of November 1, 1954, was ignited, returning Algeria to its people.
Our commemoration of this anniversary today is a tribute to our righteous martyrs and a reaffirmation that Algeria does not forget its sons and daughters who gave their lives in defense of freedom, justice, and dignity. It is also a message to the new generations to understand that the independence we enjoy today was not a gift, but the fruit of immense sacrifices, and the responsibility for preserving it rests on each and every one of us.
This occasion also reminds us of the values of peace, justice, and coexistence—values that align with the principles of our foreign policy, which is based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, support for peaceful solutions, and the promotion of cooperation among peoples. Algeria, which paid a heavy price for its freedom, remains a steadfast voice in defending just causes, foremost among them the right of peoples to self-determination.
The duty of remembrance is not merely to recall the past, but a commitment to building a more just and peaceful future. As we commemorate this anniversary, we reaffirm Algeria's determination to continue its path of strengthening the nation-state, consolidating its institutions, protecting its sovereignty, and working towards comprehensive development that honors the sacrifices of the martyrs and fulfills the aspirations of future generations.
May God have mercy on the righteous martyrs, and may their memory be a guiding light for us in serving our nation.
Long live a free and independent Algeria.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.