This anniversary is a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom and in the hearts of all Moroccans, for it carries profound significance and noble values. It is an occasion to recall the historical context that shaped this momentous event and to reflect on genuine patriotism at its finest—patriotism that embodies the triumph of the collective will of the Throne and the people, their close solidarity in the fight for liberation from colonialism, and the establishment of the foundations of an independent and unified Morocco that looks confidently toward a prosperous future.

The struggle of the Moroccan people cannot be fully understood without recalling its most significant historical milestones, foremost among them the historic visit by the Father of the Nation and Hero of Liberation, His Majesty the late King Mohammed V, to Tangier on April 9, 1947. That visit affirmed Morocco’s unwavering commitment—both King and people—to freedom, territorial integrity, and adherence to its fundamental principles and national identity.

One of the most prominent aspects of the national struggle was the shift, undertaken by the national movement since the early 1930s, toward political activism and purposeful national action aimed at spreading awareness, strengthening resolve, and instilling the spirit of citizenship among youth and all segments of society.

The national movement also worked tirelessly to bring the Moroccan cause to international forums, producing a profound impact on foreign powers, which attempted in vain to counter the liberation movement with arbitrary measures. This struggle remained aligned with the vision of the Father of the Nation, His Majesty the late King Mohammed V.

The colonizer failed to halt the nationalist movement, despite exiling His Majesty the late King Mohammed V and his noble family to Corsica and later to Madagascar. The spirit of resistance manifested itself in the widespread uprisings that swept through cities and villages alike, confirming that love of country and the quest for freedom could not be extinguished.

The Kingdom witnessed heroic battles and popular uprisings that embodied the determination of the Moroccan people to reject foreign domination. Among the most prominent were the battles of El Herri, Anoual, Bougafer, Jbel Badou, and Sidi Bou Othmane, in addition to the uprising of the Ait Baamrane tribes and the resistance in the southern provinces, where Moroccan fighters delivered profound lessons in steadfastness and sacrifice.

In a moment of unparalleled national unity, the spark of the King and People’s Revolution was ignited on August 20, 1953. Its commemoration has become an opportunity for rising generations to appreciate the sacrifices made by their ancestors to regain independence and overcome foreign occupation.

The unwavering will of the nation triumphed over the schemes of the colonizer, who failed to understand that the exile of the symbol of the nation, His Majesty the late King Mohammed V, only intensified patriotic fervor and accelerated the end of the protectorate.

With the triumphant return of His Majesty Mohammed V and the Royal Family on November 18, 1955, the end of the French protectorate was proclaimed. Freedom and independence dawned, marking the transition from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad, and the culmination of the Revolution of the King and the People.

Independence was a decisive historical victory that crowned a long struggle dating back to March 30, 1912. Morocco entered a new era in which the Father of the Nation launched sweeping reforms across all vital sectors, building an independent state and laying the foundations of territorial unity.

His Majesty the late King Hassan II continued this march, leading efforts to complete Morocco’s territorial integrity. Sidi Ifni was recovered on June 30, 1969, and the liberation of the southern provinces was achieved through the Green March on November 6, 1975. King Hassan II was also committed to building a modern state grounded in the rule of law and solid democratic institutions.

Consolidating the development process initiated by His Majesty the late King Mohammed V and His Majesty the late King Hassan II, His Majesty King Mohammed VI—may God assist him—continues to modernize Morocco. He remains firmly committed to defending its territorial integrity and achieving sustainable economic and social development that ensures a dignified life for every citizen and elevates the Kingdom to the ranks of nations that place human development at the center of their policies.

Nations mature by recalling their history, understanding their battles and achievements, and drawing lessons from their milestones to build a better future. This is what the memory of Independence Day offers: an opportunity to reflect on Morocco’s history, rich with glories and heroic stands, to embody lofty national values, to ignite the spirit of citizenship, to consolidate democratic gains, to continue the greater struggle, and to safeguard territorial unity.