“…Greater Than I Was”

On Saturday, 23 May 2026, the eve of Eritrea’s 35th Independence Day, I walked with my family toward the center of the festivities as the nation celebrated. The streets pulsed with movement, color, music, and emotion. People from all walks of life – children, youth, parents, elders, and nationals from abroad – had gathered to share in a historic occasion. It was not merely a celebration; it was a day of memory, pride, renewal, and reflection.

The Eritrean flag waved everywhere – on banners, decorations, clothing, and painted faces. Mothers and young girls wore colorful outfits decorated with the national colors. Young boys and girls walked confidently in T-shirts bearing images of lions, freedom fighters, and maps of Eritrea, as well as slogans of dignity, resilience, and pride. Every color, design, and smile seemed to carry a message.

Among these sights, one phrase on the backs of teenage boys’ and girls’ T-shirts caught my attention: “I am Greater than I Was.” At first glance, it seemed simple, but the more I looked, the more powerful it became. It was not an ordinary slogan. It was a statement of growth, confidence, and hope – speaking not only for the students but for Eritrea itself.

The students wearing these T-shirts were 11th graders who had come to Harent Avenue for the 35th Independence Day anniversary. They radiated energy, excitement, and pride. Soon, they will enter 12th grade at Warsay Yikealo Senior Secondary School. They are no longer the children they once were. They have grown in age, knowledge, awareness, and responsibility. They are greater than they were yesterday, and tomorrow they will become greater still.

This phrase carries deep meaning. It reflects the natural growth of youth, as well as Eritrea’s national journey. A young person grows through learning, discipline, and commitment. A nation grows through sacrifice, resilience, unity, and hard work. The greatness of Eritrea and its youth are closely connected: a strong nation builds confident youth, and capable youth build a stronger nation.

Progress is built step by step, generation after generation. Today’s Eritrea was born from a long struggle, deep sacrifice, and unshakable determination. Independence was won through the blood, courage, and perseverance of freedom fighters and the people who supported them. The freedom today’s youth enjoy was made possible by those who gave everything for their country’s dignity and sovereignty.

Thus, Independence Day is not only about music, lights, and gatherings. It is about remembrance – understanding the cost of freedom and the responsibility it brings. When young people wear meaningful slogans, they are not merely participating in a festivity; they are becoming part of a national story, carrying forward the message of their parents and grandparents while adding their own voice to the future.

It has become customary for students to prepare themed T-shirts for national celebrations – some with maps, some with flags, some honoring freedom fighters. Each design looks different, but all share a common spirit: celebrating Eritrea’s independence with meaning and purpose.

The students’ smiles were especially touching. Their happiness was not empty excitement; it reflected confidence and readiness to take part in nation-building. Their bright faces seemed to say they understand their place in Eritrea’s future. They are students today, but tomorrow they will be teachers, engineers, health professionals, farmers, artists, administrators, researchers, and defenders of their nation. Their growth is the country’s growth.

The parents’ happiness was equally moving. Watching their children celebrate freely and confidently – dressed in national colors and carrying meaningful messages – must have filled them with pride. For many parents, independence is not abstract. It is something they lived through, struggled for, or inherited through loved ones’ sacrifices. Seeing their children celebrate is a powerful reminder that their sacrifice was not in vain.

The entire scene was thrilling, even for a stranger unfamiliar with the history. But for those deeply connected to Eritrea’s independence – who understand sacrifice, endurance, and ultimate triumph – the moment carried even greater emotional weight. It was a living picture of continuity: the past remembered, the present celebrated, the future prepared.

The streets were decorated with colorful lights that brightened the evening. The national theme, “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee,” was clearly displayed and well-lit. These words, like the students’ slogans, carried profound meaning: Eritrea’s strength lies in its people’s resilience. The nation’s future is guaranteed not by comfort, but by steadfastness, unity, and commitment.

The lights were more than decorations. They symbolized a brighter Eritrea being built through citizens’ dedication. Just as the lights transformed the streets, the people’s sacrifices and hard work continue to transform the nation. The colors reflected diversity, harmony, and shared purpose – showing that Eritrea remembers its past and moves forward with confidence.

In this sense, everything seemed greater than before. The youth were greater. The celebration carried a deeper meaning. The streets were brighter. The people were more united. The nation, after 35 years of independence, stood firm, proud, and determined. The phrase “I am Greater than I Was” became a national reflection.

Eritrea’s journey has been one of continuous growth through challenge. Like its youth, the nation has passed through difficult stages, learned from experience, and emerged stronger. Its strength is measured not by buildings or ceremonies alone, but by the spirit of its people. A nation becomes greater when its citizens grow in awareness, responsibility, and commitment.

As I continued walking with my family among the crowds, the phrase stayed with me. “I am Greater than I Was.” It spoke of youth growing into responsibility, a nation advancing through resilience, yesterday’s sacrifices, today’s joy, and tomorrow’s promise. On that festive day, amid flags, lights, smiles, and songs, one truth became clear: Eritrea’s greatness lives in the hearts of its people – especially the young generation preparing to inherit and build the future. They are greater than they were, and through them, Eritrea will continue to grow even greater.