71st Anniversary of Jordan’s Independence Day,

Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Thursday attended the national celebrations held at Raghadan Palace on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Jordan's Independence Day, according to a Royal Court statement. Upon the King's arrival to the site, the artillery performed a 21-gun salute while the national anthem was played. During the celebration, attended by members of the Royal family, His Majesty decorated a number of achievers, including artists and entrepreneurs, along with organisations and NGOs with impressive track records in community service. "The Story of Independence" was presented by artist Hamad Nijim, an account of the role of the first ancestors in building the country on the basis of knowledge, enlightenment and citizenship, the statement said. The story outlined significant details of the Kingdom's history since its establishment, showcasing the will of Jordanians to build, progress and face challenges under the Hashemite leadership, according to the statement. The tale focused on the role of His Majesty in continuing on his predecessors’ path in building Jordan, stressing Jordanians’ persistence in combating extremist ideology, the statement said, adding that the story also shed light on the efforts of the youth to build and protect Jordan. The storytelling was accompanied by a musical piece and a film on the history of the Kingdom.