At the time I arrived at the scene, the hall was already full of enthusiast nationals to the Max. The participants were young and old of both gender who came from far and near. One can feel a strong sense of Patriotism filling the air. People just kept coming way pass the time the meeting was suppose to start causing for some delay.

What was unique about this EVENT from the previous ones held was the strong participation of the YOUTH. They took a leading role in organizing and coordinating the task. Semhar, one of the energized youths Atlanta ever saw, presented the participants a slide show depicting a true picture of Eritrea vs. what's been spreading by western media to tarnish it's image. She did so very eloquently.

The participants were also very fortunate to have two important guests: Dr. Ghedowen Asmerom and Professor Mogos Weldeselassie, who discussed in detail the socio-economic and political issues Eritrea is faced with and how it's been challenged. Professor Mogos has used a comparison chart to show the audience the progress Eritrea has made in terms of health, education, agriculture and infrastructures since independence. He illustrated that, despite the evil efforts of the enemies to weaken Eritrea economically, a lot of progress has been and is being made to reduce child mortality rate, malaria, and other ailments; the expansion of colleges and other technical schools around the country; and the enhancement in agriculture so as to create food security through self-sufficiency.

Then, it was Dr Ghedowen's turn. Even though I have read many of the Dr's articles before, this was the first time I ever had the chance to listen to him in person. And, Boy does he know history? Dr Ghedowen presented his speech in Tigrigna. He had the audience on its toe as he talked about Eritrea and its heroic children challenging and defeating every evil scheme carried out by the successive Ethiopian regimes and their collaborators to subjugate them. He often illustrated his points using "Msla" or figure of speech. The underline message of his speech was that ERITREANS NEED TO UNIFY AND SAY NO TO ANY FORCE ATTEMPTING TO DESTROY US USING "DIVIDE AND RULE" SCHEME.

Following, an ample opportunity was given to the audience to express their views. All participants vowed in unisom to stand united and to fully support Eritrea's position in defending and preserving its sovereignty. As a strong sign of their commitments the participants pledged monetary support to help the efforts underway.

All in all, the Hzbawi Mekete held in Atlanta was very successful and a clear indication that Eritreans, irrespective of their religious, political ideology, will always stand united when it comes to defending their nation.

Amanuel Tseggai

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