The anniversary of the outbreak of the Syrian revolution passed this year without any comment or statement from any official institution. No congratulations were issued, no speech was published, no one changed their official profile pictures, and no moment was dedicated to celebrating the event that changed the face of the country.
As was the norm last year, it was expected that the Prime Minister or the Presidency would issue a video or written congratulatory message, or that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (formerly known as the Department of Political Affairs) would deliver an official speech on the occasion.
Indeed, last year, all official institutions—the Salvation Government—changed their profile pictures on social media platforms and shared official posts expressing the symbolism of this day.
This year, however, all that happened was limited to routine news broadcasts from the official news agency via the Ministry of Information about scenes of popular celebration in the squares, with no notable official presence.
At first glance, one might think that the government is busy with its duties, but this possibility quickly fades when we consider that the only occasion that official institutions ignored was the anniversary of the revolution. The Prime Minister's Office took the initiative to congratulate the people on the occasion of Ramadan and issued a decree regulating working hours, while the Presidency of the Republic also issued an official congratulation. On Teacher's Day, the Ministry of Education issued an official congratulation and declared a holiday.
This raises a legitimate question: Why?
Whatever the reasons, this official silence is unjustified and requires serious consideration. It is a national duty for those in power today to issue a presidential decree declaring the anniversary of the revolution an official national holiday, whether March 15 or 18, so that this occasion does not fade from public consciousness or become erased from the nation's calendar.
Even if the opportunity is missed this year, it is still possible to remedy the situation by issuing a decree for future years. All sons of the revolution and activists who believe in its values must demand this, each in their own way, whether as critics or advisors, but without any laxity or indulgence. The revolution, which paid a heavy price, must not be forgotten by cold silence.
Fayez Al-Daghim - Zaman Al-Wasl
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