Ethiopia got its present shape and identity thanks to what the elderly people paid for its sovereignty.

This country owes a lot to them. From the sacrifice they paid to maintain its sovereignty intact to the trying task in fighting poverty, the elderly have played a significant role. This generation must honor their grand deeds and protect them from languishing within the multiple challenges that they face during their old age. It is painful to see many of them asking for alms in the streets of our cities and towns. They have handed us this great nation paying their irreplaceable life, heroically facing and winning severe challenges. They are beckons of our independent national sovereignty and heroes who inspired black people throughout the world by showing them the first grand victory against the white invader(colonizer), Italy. Everlasting honor be to those patriots who shed their blood, and who faced various agonies at war fronts for Ethiopia, we are proud today to say "we were not colonized."

Unlike the immeasurable contribution we owe from the elderly, nowadays, both the public and the government is not providing enough support and protection fit to their grand legacy. They should get emphasis no less than the youth. Projects that the country sets to its future need to inculcate older people. Many elderly in the country are homeless and do not have adequate food and medical care. Both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders should pave the way to make them overcome these challenges.

Bear in mind also they are also bearing the brunt of children who have lost their families due to the HIV and AIDS and other factors. They compelled to sustain both themselves and children orphaned. This vividly tells us the huge task ahead in addressing problems faced by the elderly. Commemoration of the international day for the elderly should be used as an opportunity to join hands and start practical works that can improve the grim realities that older people presently exist in.