Patriot #2, Meskel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008

Patriot #2, Meskel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008

Ethiopian Patriots are those that served in Haile Selassie’s army, and fought the Fascist occupation during the time of the Second World War. There are few of these old men left, but they proudly present themselves, in uniform and the colors of their flag, at public ceremonies, remembering the liberation of their country from foreign occupation, and maintaining Ethiopia’s status as the only country in Africa that was not colonized by Europe.

Patriots, Meskel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008

Patriots, Meskel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008

Ethiopian Patriots are those that served in Haile Selassie’s army, and fought the Fascist occupation during the time of the Second World War. There are few of these old men left, but they proudly present themselves, in uniform and the colors of their flag, at public ceremonies, remembering the liberation of their country from foreign occupation, and maintaining Ethiopia’s status as the only country in Africa that was not colonized by Europe.

Patriot, Meskel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008

Patriot, Meskel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008

Ethiopian Patriots are those that served in Haile Selassie’s army, and fought the Fascist occupation during the time of the Second World War. There are few of these old men left, but they proudly present themselves, in uniform and the colors of their flag, at public ceremonies, remembering the liberation of their country from foreign occupation, and maintaining Ethiopia’s status as the only country in Africa that was not colonized by Europe.

This particular old man was proud to stand a little more at attention as I photographed him, and I loved the expression on his face, unfortunately a bit lost through the combination of low light, dark skin color, and a hat brim that blocked much of the little available light. Still, whatever the technical flaws, I hope it conveys a touch of the sense of pride I saw in his eyes as he held his taper and watched the ceremonies.

Obama ’08, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 2008

Obama '08, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 2008

Ethiopia was alight with Obama fever, fervently wishing for a fellow African to ascend to the highest office of the world’s sole superpower (and firm ally of Ethiopia). Had he somehow not won the Presidency, I think he could have easily come to Ethiopia and defeated Prime Minister Meles Zanawi in an election–even though there is none scheduled for over a year! There is a lot of excitement here that expects things from Obama that I just don’t think is in his power; the U. S. has limited influence on Ethiopian and African affairs, or one would see a much better democratic process in Ethiopia and elsewhere.