IWG proudly celebrated Kuwait National & Liberation Day 2022 with a festive and informative Zoom event covering Kuwait’s history and an array of Kuwait’s traditions and customs.
Mrs. Cristiana Baldocci, President of IWG and also wife of Ambassador of Italy to Kuwait, welcomed members and guests by saying that National and Liberation Day represent the spirit of Kuwait and its people, built on three fundamental pillars: “Defending Freedom, Solidarity and Generosity, Respect for Human Values”. This is the time when we are filled with celebration and joyous acts of patriotism; reflecting on when 4000 students carried the longest flag in the world in the 2019 Kuwait National Day Parade as has been acknowledged by the Guinness Book of records. Mrs. Baldocci thanked Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al Muhamad Al Sabah for her video address which mentioned the following:
“Today we celebrate 61st National Day, marking the independence of the State of Kuwait, as well as the 31st anniversary of our liberation from the brutal Iraqi occupation. In another respect we also celebrate decades of achievements and national progress filled with pride and honour as a result has succeeded in elevating Kuwait, to have its flag fly high among nations of the world.” Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al Muhamad Al Sabah also said that the citizens and residents share in celebrating Kuwait’s accomplishments, its leadership, and its effectiveness at regional and international levels. A nation committed to humanitarian work around the globe with its steadfast support of true and just causes. Last but not least she hoped that the suffering and social disruption caused worldwide by the Covid-19 pandemic would soon come to an end and that everyone is spared from more sorrow. Sheikha Hanouf’s , closing words were: “On this happy and dear occasion, I am pleased and honored to present, on behalf of myself and all the members of this esteemed group, my most sincere and best wishes, and my congratulations and blessings to His Highness Sheik Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, and His Highness Sheik Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, and to the people of Kuwait and all those who reside in this wonderful nation.
The event then continued with a presentation from Kefah Al-Mutawa, who spoke on the courage shown and sacrifices made, during the dark days of the invasion; recounting his experiences during the occupation of Kuwait and captivity in Iraq. He mentioned a defining moment when all those living in Kuwait went to the roofs of their homes to cry out for freedom in defiance of the occupier and the joy that their calls were answered, and their gratitude for the allied forces for making it happen.
The event continued with a moving musical Oud recording by Abdullah Al Mulla. Then on to Mrs. Aisha Al Saleh, a researcher on Kuwait’s heritage, entertained the audience with many of the beautiful Kuwaiti celebratory traditions and customs of the past from Burgaa to Boushiya to swaying girl’s hair at weddings.
Treats such as such as Elba and Ghraybeh were also arranged by Mrs Al Saleh.
The event continued with a traditional dance performed by BSK students and was followed by BSK musicians who took the stage to perform Kuwait’s National Anthem, enthralling the audience.
The final segment of the event was an informative documentary on modern Kuwait, its present and future; sufficient evidence of the Nation’s unparalleled recovery and proof of an outstanding future ahead.
In closing Mrs. Baldocci thanked the participants, members of the board and all the members and honored guests for joining IWG’s National & Liberation Day celebrations
