Armed Forces Day Celebrated in Georgia
TBILISI - April 30 is the day of Armed Forces in Georgia, and this year the Georgian army celebrated its 26th year.
Solemn events by military servicemen were held in various military units. Georgia’s Defense Minister, President, Prime Minister and government officials congratulated soldiers on the professional day. President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Defense Minister Levan Izoria opened a memorial to Georgian servicemen who died in the August 2008 war and on various peacekeeping missions. “I am proud of you, praying for you every day and thank you every single day for the service you implement for our motherland,” Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili said to Georgia’s armed forces.
Defense Minister Levan Izoria congratulated the armed forces day who took part in the Afghanistan and Africa international missions.
“Georgia is a prestigious country on international arena due to you. You represent a crucial force in the Euro-Atlantic integration process. You professionalism and bravery are emphasized at all international-level meetings and I would like to thank you for this,” the minister said.
On April 30th Georgian Armed Forces will turn 26 years old#GeoArmy26 pic.twitter.com/MUO9hnxZ9f
— MOD Georgia (@ModGovGe) April 28, 2017
PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili visited a military base in Gori with his son to attend the ceremony held to commemorate the anniversary. “You do most honorable deeds and enjoy the greatest love of our people,” the PM said.
Kvirikashvili put a wreath on the monument to fallen soldiers as well as addressing those who have returned from Afghanistan military missions. “Twenty-six years have been full of many challenges and the Georgian army has fulfilled a very significant role in terms of development of independent, democratic Georgia. We have observed many examples of heroic deeds through all these years. I wish to honor those fallen for Georgia’s territorial integrity and international security,” he said.
Georgian Army turned 26 today. Eternal gratitude to soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom&future. We honour your service&sacrifice pic.twitter.com/KG9iDin6Gr
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 30, 2017
In December, 1990, under the Resolution of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia, the National Guard (the Internal Troops of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia) was established. Further development of the Georgian army was based on the National Guard. On April 24, 1991, the Ministry Cabinet of Georgian Government issued an order requiring compulsory military service. On April 30, enrollment of recruits started officially and this date became the official beginning of the Georgian army.
Thea Morrison