Accra, June 4, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Friday said dislocating him would not dampen the spirit and tenets of June 4 Movement of probity, accountability and justice.
He said June 4 was brought about because of neo-colonialist tendencies that had eaten into the society at the time, which incidentally was resurfacing in the body politic of the nation. He said the day should always serve as a remembrance in honour of not only the gallant soldiers, who died in defence of the revolution but also scores of civilians that sacrificed their lives for its success. Former President Rawlings was addressing hundreds of members of the Cadres of the Revolution (ACDRs), 31st December Women's Movement (DWM), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a cross section of the public in Accra to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of June 4. The day he was rescued by junior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces, while he was standing trial for a May 15, 1979 mutiny.
The 25th Anniversary, under the general theme: "June Four And The Challenges of the Times," was addressed by leading members of the NDC, Members of Parliament and Cadres of the Revolution.
Former President Rawlings said it was sad that the present government had failed to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of June 4 just because of the hatred they had for the NDC, which identified itself with the event.
"If you are in politics, you must be gracious enough to live above pettiness," he said.
In a speech read on behalf of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, Flag Bearer of NDC, by Mr Ohene Agyekum, former Ashanti Regional Minister, he said the events of June 4 challenged public office holders to be trustworthy, sincere, straightforward and fair at all times.
Prof Mills said: "These values were the safeguards against a recurrence of the traumatic and painful reaction against injustice."
He said as the leader of a party that stood on the principles of social democracy, "never again shall ordinary Ghanaian feel so betrayed, so deceived, so marginalized and so helpless to exercise their fundamental human rights, that they lash out against the guilty and innocent alike".
Other speakers included, Mr Steve Akorlie, who spoke on "Building the Infrastructure of the Nation, the Deceptions, Misconceptions and the Realities."
"Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe spoke on: " The Significance of June 4 Movement - The Women Empowerment Factor" while Squadron Leader Clend Sowu's topic was :"Why June 4."