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Honoring the Patriotic Legacy: Morocco Remembers the late King Mohammed V, Father of the Nation

Honoring the Patriotic Legacy: Morocco Remembers the late King Mohammed V, Father of the Nation
Thursday 21 March 2024 - 13:44
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On the 65th anniversary of his passing, Morocco pays tribute to the enduring patriotic legacy of King Mohammed V, revered as the "Father of the Nation" and celebrated for his pivotal role in securing the country's independence from French colonial rule. In an atmosphere infused with reverence and solemn reflection, Moroccans commemorate the monumental sacrifices and unwavering determination of the late sovereign, who dedicated his life to the emancipation of his nation.

This commemorative occasion serves as a poignant reminder of King Mohammed V's pivotal role in orchestrating Morocco's struggle for sovereignty. Exiled alongside the Royal Family by colonial authorities for his defiance, the monarch's exile ignited a fierce wave of popular unrest and armed resistance, transforming the independence movement from an elite endeavor into a profound national cause that galvanized the entire Moroccan populace.

The late King's remarkable journey towards liberating his nation reached its zenith on January 11, 1944, with the daring presentation of the Manifesto of Independence, a bold act symbolizing the inseparable bond between the Throne, the National Movement, and the Moroccan people. This seminal event paved the way for King Mohammed V's resounding speech in Tangier on April 10, 1947, where he unequivocally and publicly demanded Morocco's independence, sending shockwaves through the colonial establishment.

Despite the colonizers' devious attempts at coercion and blackmail, King Mohammed V remained steadfast in his pursuit of national liberation. His forced exile in 1953, initially to Corsica and later to Madagascar, backfired spectacularly, igniting a firestorm of popular riots and armed insurrection that rendered independence an indelible part of the national psyche.

The triumphant return of the "Father of the Nation" and the Royal Family on November 16, 1955, marked the beginning of a new era, culminating in the long-awaited declaration of independence a year later and the commencement of the "Great Jihad" the arduous task of constructing a modern, sovereign Morocco.

As Moroccans commemorate the 65th anniversary of King Mohammed V's passing, they honor the enduring legacy of a patriotic icon whose sacrifices and indomitable spirit paved the way for their nation's hard-won freedom, etching his name indelibly into the annals of Moroccan history as the embodiment of the people's struggle for emancipation.


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