ON THE OCCASION OF NOVEMBER 24 — NATIONAL FLAG DAY**

Dear professors and students,

I sincerely congratulate all of you on this important and historic occasion — National Flag Day, and wish that the State Flag of our beloved Tajikistan forever flies proudly in the peaceful sky of our country, guiding our honorable people toward an even brighter and more prosperous future.

This year we celebrate National Flag Day in a truly historic period for the people of Tajikistan — the 31st anniversary of the pivotal 16th Session of the Supreme Council and the 34th anniversary of our nation’s independence.

During the 34 years of independence, under the fluttering of the State Flag, dozens of major national projects and hundreds of significant industrial and social infrastructures have been built across our country. All of these achievements are the result of the patriotic efforts of the Leader of the Nation and the dedicated citizens of our Republic, contributing to sustainable economic development, the strengthening of statehood, and the unprecedented beautification and progress of our beloved homeland.

The State Flag, as the first symbol of the independent Tajik state, was adopted on November 24, 1992, during the historic 16th Session of the Supreme Council, where the foundations of modern Tajik statehood were laid and the first steps were taken toward peace, political stability, national unity, and the realization of national goals.

It should be noted that since ancient times the flag for the Tajik people has been a symbol of statehood and patriotism, a reflection of national identity, honor, dignity, and devotion — for the sake of which many brave sons of our nation sacrificed their lives.

In the modern era, under the banner of an independent state, Tajiks have become full members of the United Nations and other authoritative international organizations, establishing friendly relations and cooperation — diplomatic, economic, and cultural — with most countries of the world.

It is a source of great pride for us that today, alongside the flags of other UN member states, the State Flag of sovereign Tajikistan flies in front of the building of this reputable international organization.

The National Flag, symbolizing unity, solidarity, dignity, patriotism, and the national identity of our cultured people, reflects in its colors the aspirations, hopes, and goals of the Tajik nation.

In today’s world, possessing a national flag is one of the fundamental signs of independence, freedom, and sovereign statehood. Therefore, along with other sacred national symbols, honoring and respecting the flag is a moral duty of every citizen of Tajikistan.

To honor this sacred symbol, on November 20, 2009, the President of the country declared November 24 as National Flag Day of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Today, as a symbol of Tajik statehood, the National Flag is raised on all governmental and administrative institutions, organizations, enterprises, educational institutions, sports facilities, and private homes, inspiring our people towards prosperity, development, and a happy life.

In this regard, I emphasize that each of us must cultivate a sense of respect, pride, love, and loyalty toward our national symbols, for these symbols — including the flag — reflect both the glorious historical past and the bright future of our nation.

We are obliged to protect our National Flag and honor it as a sign of national statehood, independence, freedom, and priceless national value.

Once again, I sincerely congratulate all of you — dear professors and students — on National Flag Day, the sacred symbol of the sovereign Tajik state, and wish each of you good health, success, happiness, prosperity, and abundance.

Happy National Flag Day!