INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE

Of all the 365 days in the year, 7th February holds a unique significance in the hearts of Grenadians and of all who love this blessed land. This is the day when in 1974 Grenada became a Sovereign Independent Nation.

Our National Flag, Coat of Arms, Anthem, and Pledge symbolise our very selves as a Nation. This is most surely cause for celebration.

As each anniversary of the attainment of Independence is celebrated, it is fitting that we search our souls as to what it means to be a citizen or resident of Grenada. To what commitments does the celebration of the Anniversary of Independence inspire us?

The word that comes to mind is “Patriotism” …a sense of pride in belonging to this, our very own homeland - a sense of pride in its achievements, and in the successes of its heroes.

The prominent and widespread display of our national flag and colours is an expression of joy and a demonstration of pride in our nation.

Our national flag must always be displayed with dignity and proper respect. It should never be used in ways that  besmirch that dignity.

But patriotism is much more than displaying the flag. Patriotism shows itself in a quality of living that is caring and sharing, friendly and hard-working. To have achieved this, even to be working on this, is something we can truly be proud of.  

True patriotism means that each one of us would want our country to have reason to be proud of us.  Violence, selfishness, dishonesty, vulgarity, on the part of our people are a source of shame to our nation.
 
Those who, by their disorderly behaviour are creating an atmosphere of insecurity and mistrust in Grenada, are no lovers of this nation. Nor is there any patriotism in those who dirty our towns, our beaches and countryside, with litter and garbage.

The Independence Day theme for this year is “Celebrating Our Nation’s Birth with Love and Togetherness.”  Where would one look to find love and togetherness in a nation? Surely, in homes in which members of families accept one another at a profound level and where long-term loyalty has real meaning. In such homes there will always be the desire to seek reconciliation whenever conflicts arise.

We, of The Conference of Churches in Grenada, believe that the most valuable expression of patriotism towards our beautiful country would be to provide it with families that are peaceful and loving, families in which each and every individual is respected and shows respect to all others.

If only we were to bring these values of good family life into every walk of our national life, this would be real patriotism. We would have cause to be very proud of being Grenadian. The rest of the world would admire us and even envy us for this.