Representatives of Zambian army take part in the 53rd Independence Day celebration in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, Oct. 24, 2017. Zambia commemorated on Tuesday its 53rd anniversary of independence. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
LUSAKA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Tuesday marked 53 years of independence from Britain with President Edgar Lungu calling on citizens to exercise a spirit of patriotism for the country to preserve national identity and values.
"Patriotism is important in preserving our national identity. It is for this reason that our constitution recognizes patriotism as one of the key national values and principles," the Zambian leader said.
Zambia was born out of patriotism, he said, urging citizens to put national interest above self as a way of honoring men and women who sacrificed their lives during the country's liberation struggle.
He urged Zambians to work hard to foster sustainable development to propel the country to prosperity.
Political independence without sustainable development is meaningless, Lungu said.
