"Terre de nos aïeux" (Land of our forefathers) is the national anthem of Togo. The words and music were written by Alex Casimir-Dosseh, and was the national anthem upon independence in 1960-1979. From 1979-1992 it was replaced by a different anthem. It was readopted from 1992 onwards. Lyrics (in French) Salut à toi pays de nos aïeux, Toi que les rendait forts, Paisibles et joyeux, Cultivant vertu, vaillance, Pour la prospérité Que viennent les tyrans, Ton cœur soupire vers la liberté, Togo debout, luttons sans défaillance, Vainquons ou mourons,mais dans la dignité, Grand Dieu, toi seul nous a exaltés, Du Togo pour la prospérité, Togolais viens, bâtissons la cité. Dans lunité nous voulons te servir, Cest bien là de nos cœurs,le plus ardent désir, Clamons fort notre devise, Que rien ne peut ternir. Seul artisan de ton bonheur, ainsi que de ton avenir, brisons partout les chaînes de la traîtrise, Et nous te jurons toujours fidélité, Et aimer servir, se dépasser, Faire encore de toi sans nous lasser, Togo chéri, lor de lhumanité. Salut, salut à l'Univers entier Unissons nos efforts sur l'immense chantier D'où naîtra toute nouvelle La Grande Humanité Partout au lieu de la misère, apportons la félicité. Chassons du monde la haine rebelle Finis l'esclavage et la Captivité A l'étoile de la liberté, Renouons la solidarité Des Nations dans la fraternité English translation: Hail to thee, land of our forefathers, Thou who made them strong, peaceful and happy, Men who for posterity cultivated virtue and bravery. Even if tyrants shall come, thy heart yearns towards freedom. Togo arise! Let us struggle without faltering. Victory or death, but dignity. God almighty, Thou alone hast made Togo prosper. People of Togo arise! Let us build the nation. To serve thee in unity is the most burning desire of our hearts. Let us shout aloud our motto That nothing can tarnish. We the only builders of thy happiness and of thy future, Everywhere let us break chains and treachery, And we swear to thee for ever faith, love, service, untiring zeal, To make thee yet, beloved Togo, a golden example for humanity. Hail, hail to the entire Universe Let us unite our efforts on this immense building site Whence will be reborn anew Great Humanity. Everywhere, instead of misery, let us bring happiness. Let us chase from the world unruly hatred. It's over with slavery and Captivity. At the star of liberty, Let us renew the solidarity Of the Nations in fraternity.

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