2020-02-23
Today, 99 years later, we pay homage to the memory of the young Georgians who unconditionally and yet mindfully sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom and independence, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated in Parliament as he commemorated the cadets fallen near Kojori-Tabakhmela in February of 1921.
According to the Head of Government, although the Red Army eventually occupied Georgia, the struggle for independence never ceased.
"When we are talking about the memory of these young cadets, we must also commemorate those who, until the restoration of Georgia's independence in 1991, sacrificed their lives in the fight set in motion by the cadets. And they are many. In 1991, we restored the yearned-for independence grounded in 1918, and these youths enabled us to build a bridge to the longed-for, free, and independent Georgia that started in 1918 and, unfortunately, was so short-lived, despite so much sacrifice. We also must remember that the fight for our independence and freedom continues. Our territories, 20% of the country's territory, remain occupied. But above all else, we must heed to those living on either side of the occupation line. Our country must be strong in countering these challenges. Our independence started in 1918 and, despite scored of young people laying down their lives, ceased in 1921, but was restored later. This is a succession of generations we must prize, and we must bow down in their memory, and teach our children for what these young people sacrificed their lives and how they must be cherished," the Prime Minister said.
Giorgi Gakharia laid a wreath at the Memorial of the Cadets Fallen near Kojori-Tabakhmela in February of 1921. The Head of Government, in the company of the President, Speaker of Parliament, and Defense Minister, also attended a memorial service for the repose of the fallen cadets, held at the Annunciation Chapel of the Parliament.
Prime Minister's Press Office