June 9th 1999 was the day the eldest son of the late King Hussein officially became the King of Jordan.
- AP
He assumed his constitutional monarchial powers and became known as King Abdullah II.
10 years later, the Hashemite Kingdom celebrated the King’s enthronement on that same date. Although there have been minor events all year to mark the anniversary, June 9th was the big celebration day.
As they did a decade earlier, King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania rode through the streets of Amman in an open roof motorcade, waving to the large crowds who cheered proudly for their King.
If the dress the Queen looks familiar, it is the same Elie Saab gown she wore for her husband’s enthronement 10 years ago. She also wore a new tiara for the celebrations.
- Petra.gov.jo
After the parade, the Jordanian royal family gathered at the Amman International Stadium for the official celebrations. All four of King Abdullah’s children – Hussein, Iman, Salma and Hashim – were there, and so were many of his siblings.
Performances from the military and Jordanian students showed the pride many people feel about the successful past decade.
Earlier Tuesday, Queen Rania wrote on Twitter:
“On outside, a bit of ceremony. Internally, find myself reflecting, evaluating, and praying. Not normally sentimental about anniversaries, but today marks 10 yrs of me and my husband doing this job.”
The day before, the King gave a televised speech to his people about his 10 year anniversary. He said the following to his country:
“I thank you deeply for standing by my side and supporting me in facing the challenges and realizing achievements. For, I have drawn my determination from your determination and strength from your will. And in the promising Jordanian youth, I find my hope….to me, your dignity comes before all else.
“You are my family and my tribe, who have withstood testing times, and have said, ‘I will do anything for Jordan.’
- Reuters
“Thank God, Jordan today is stronger and better than ever.
“We have surpassed many challenges and difficult circumstances.
“This is Jordan: the Jordan whose challenges and hardships make it stronger and more steadfast and more determined to reach the highest achievements, even with minimal resources and capabilities.
“The responsibility of building the nation and achieving comprehensive development is not solely of the leader, but is a duty of every individual, and every citizen bears part of the responsibility.”
King Abdullah also brought up the Palestinian cause, which Jordan is dedicated to.
“It will remain loyal to the Palestinian cause, for it is the cause of Jordan and Jordanians, just as it is the cause of the Palestinians.
“Our sons have been martyred, just as theirs have.
“We have shared our daily bread with them, and we have borne with them burdens that were beyond our capacity to bear.
“And it is the Palestinians’ right to enjoy our continued support until they establish their independent state on Palestinian soil; for the Palestinians are our family and our brothers, and we are closest to them in blood ties, in suffering and fate.”
In closing, the King looked towards the future.
“I am confident that with you and through you, hand in hand, we will build the Jordan of the future, impenetrable and prosperous.
“The Jordan we desire for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.
“The Jordan where every human being enjoys security, freedom and a decent life.
“The Jordan that is a testament to the Jordanian will and dignity.”
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