2022-04-30
Let me congratulate you all on 4the Day of Defense Forces of Georgia! I wish to congratulate this day to the representatives of defense forces, our praiseworthy army, our officers, sergeants, servicemen who are carrying out the most important work by protecting our country and its freedom. It was announced by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia at the IV Infantry Brigade Base when delivering his keynote speech at an event dedicated to the Day of Defense Forces today.
In the opinion of the Head of Government of Georgia, it is great honor and patriotism to loyally serve one's country, by being among the key pillars - the Georgian Army.
"Great pride is a feeling that is experienced when one makes his contribution t1o the development and advancement of the country. I wish to express gratitude to every military for their service to Georgia. I wish to congratulate this day to our invincible wounded servicemen, who have been bravely protecting our country at every front, inter alia aiming for global peace and stability. On the Day of Defense Forces, I wish to particularly thank our veterans, who have been most loyal in serving our country and army in the most challenging conditions, when superbly serving their duty towards our country. There is no direction in the defense forces that was failed by our military and veterans through the exemplary examples of their fight, daring, heroism, professionalism. Their merits are tremendous towards our country. I am also thrilled that we have the youth following their footsteps with a high-level military education, great motivation and daring, when boosting their professionalism alongside their experienced fighters and exemplifying our future. On the Day of Defense Forces, we should recall our fallen heroes. I pay tribute to the legacy. They will always remain in the memory of our army and society as role models of patriotism and dedication" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
The Head of Government of Georgia expressed his gratitude to international partners, the United States of America (USA) and members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for supporting the capacity building in the Georgian army.
"Our history and presence, which was and still is full of challenges, requires more vigorous strengthening and transformation of our army from us. In line with the intended long-term plan, we will be able to further strengthen our army, significantly advance and increase its preparedness and defense capabilities. Today I wish to thank our friends and partners as well - USA, NATO member states - everyone - who has been supporting and assisting our army and its development. Public trust towards our defense forces and Church of Georgia is the highest among the reputable institutions of the country. Of course, this is of great merits to you, individual servicemen. I one again thank you for your dedication and wish you every success and victory everywhere! God be your protector!" stated Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia.
Day of Defense Forces of Georgia was also congratulated to the servicemen of the country by MP Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia; Juansher Burchuladze, Minister of Defense of Georgia; General Major Giorgi Matiashvili, Chief of Defense Forces of Georgia.
Newly modernized Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters newly modernized through joint efforts of the State Military Scientific-Technical Center DELTA and Joint Stock Company TAM Tbil-Avia-Msheni flew over the Vaziani Military Base with a Georgian flag. Also, SU-25 jet aircrafts owned by the defense forces of the country flew over the event venue.
At the end of the ceremony, official guests observed the Georgian and foreign hardware owned by the Georgian defense forces and military equipment on display in the courtyard of the base.
At the same time, the military servicemen of the Special Task Force made a parachute jump from a training plane on the territory of the brigade, during which the Georgian state flag and the flag of the Defense Forces were unfurled.
The event was attended by members of the executive and legislative authorities, representatives of the diplomatic corps and wounded military personnel of the defense forces.
Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia; MP Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia; Juansher Burchuladze, Minister of Defense of Georgia and General Major Giorgi Matiashvili, Commander of the Defense Forces, laid a wreath of garland at the memorial and paid tribute to the memory of servicemen fallen in fights for the territorial integrity of Georgia before the official launch of the event.
April 30 is the Day of Defense Forces of Georgia. For the first time in the history of independent Georgia, conscripts were called up for compulsory military service 31 years ago on April 30. That was the moment serving as a basis for the establishment of the Day of Defense Forces of Georgia.
Press Service of the Government Administration