2006年VOA标准英语-Afghan Embassy Hosts Independence Day Observanc

By George Dwyer
Washington, D.C.
21 August 2006
 
watch Celebrations report

Afghanistan marked the 87th anniversary of its independence from British rule this week on Saturday, August 19 with observances across the globe. As VOA's George Dwyer reports, the Afghan community in Washington, D.C. celebrated¹ Thursday at the Embassy of Afghanistan.

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Ambassador Tayeb Jawad 
  
The Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington D.C. honored the nation's pursuit of freedom this week.

"The independence of Afghanistan is a celebration for each Afghan," Ambassador Tayeb Jawad. He is the chief representative of Afghanistan in the United States and hosted an Independence Day gathering² in recognition of all who have paid the price for freedom in an often-troubled land.

"Countries like Afghanistan have gone through many hardships,” said the ambassador. "We have gained our independence 87 years ago. We should actually remember the men and women who fought to gain our freedom. It was hard won."

Guests enjoyed the pleasant weather of Washington to celebrate Afghanistan's independence   
  
First officially observed in 1919, Independence Day ceremonies have been held on or around August 19th ever since. Afghanistan 's Independence Day marks the country's successful struggle and ultimate liberation from British rule. But many here on this evening also have a more recent struggle for freedom in mind. Among them, retired³ U.S. General and former Chairman of the Joint⁴ Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers.

"People will reflect on the year they want to reflect on, but I think -- having left the service now --looking back on my tenure⁵ and thinking about the tens of thousands of men and women in the U.S. armed forces, and other armed forces that have dedicated⁶ their lives literally⁷ to a free Afghanistan, is what I think about this day," said Myers.
 

Retired General Richard Myers was a guest of the ambassador   
  
Afghanistan's fight to maintain its independence continues, as Taleban-led rebels persist in their insurgent⁸ attacks. But just this week, NATO -- the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has security forces in Afghanistan -- pledged continued support for the nation's fledgling democracy.

"The road ahead of us is challenging but we are sure that we have chosen the right path, said Ambassador Jawad. “The Afghan constitution, the Afghan Parliament, the elected President will provide actually the necessary tools, and the determination of the Afghan people, more importantly, to take Afghanistan further."

As for the present, the mood on this 87th birthday celebration of Afghanistan's freedom seemed decidedly hopeful.

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 gathering   

n.集会，聚会，聚集

参考例句：

• He called on Mr. White to speak at the gathering.他请怀特先生在集会上讲话。
• He is on the wing gathering material for his novels.他正忙于为他的小说收集资料。

3 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

4 joint   

adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合

参考例句：

• I had a bad fall,which put my shoulder out of joint.我重重地摔了一跤，肩膀脫臼了。
• We wrote a letter in joint names.我们联名写了封信。

5 tenure   

n.终身职位；任期；(土地)保有权，保有期

参考例句：

• He remained popular throughout his tenure of the office of mayor.他在担任市长的整个任期内都深得民心。
• Land tenure is a leading political issue in many parts of the world.土地的保有权在世界很多地区是主要的政治问题。

6 dedicated   

adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的

参考例句：

• He dedicated his life to the cause of education.他献身于教育事业。
• His whole energies are dedicated to improve the design.他的全部精力都放在改进这项设计上了。

7 literally   

adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实

参考例句：

• He translated the passage literally.他逐字逐句地翻译这段文字。
• Sometimes she would not sit down till she was literally faint.有时候，她不走到真正要昏厥了，决不肯坐下来。

8 insurgent   

adj.叛乱的，起事的；n.叛乱分子

参考例句：

• Faruk says they are threatened both by insurgent and government forces.法鲁克说，他们受到暴乱分子和政府军队的双重威胁。
• The insurgent mob assembled at the gate of the city park.叛变的暴徒聚在市立公园的门口。