Georgia named 2016 Ally of Freedom in the US

The partnership between Georgia and the United States (US) has been celebrated at a special event in Columbia, South Carolina this weekend.

Georgia received the Ally of Freedom award at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation's Annual Festival that marked the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers, the first military peace time units that included African Americans.

The Georgian flag flew alongside the US flag at the weekend celebration.

The event was attended by Georgian Ambassador Archil Gegeshidze, who was presented the award by US Congressman Joe Wilson.

"The Celebrate Freedom Foundation is pleased to recognise Georgia as the 2016 Ally of Freedom. This award is presented to honour Georgia for its extraordinary and courageous contributions to the defense of liberty and democracy,” read the memorial board.

"Be it known that the nation of Georgia, its leaders and citizens, have made tremendous sacrifices as an ally and partner of the United States of America in the fight for freedom.”

Honorary Consul of Georgian in South Carolina, retired general David Shimp spoke at the event and said: "Every true American who know that public service is the sacred duty of the people, every true American who puts love of their country above self-interest and every true American is a Georgian at heart.”

Retired general John Lent also talked about Georgia and stressed Georgia was the "significantly largest” non-NATO country that provided troops in the fight against terrorism and global peace.