US Embassy in Tbilisi marks Georgian Language Day
Members of the US diplomatic mission also reiterated their support for Georgia, and for the freedom of political choices of American partner states amid Russian actions. Photo:Facebook page of US Embassy in Tbilisi.
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The United States Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan and her diplomatic mission on Thursday marked the Georgian Language Day with a video address to the Georgian public, hailing their 1978 defence of the status of the language from Soviet authorities.
The Ambassador said the Georgian people had stood up to defend their “language, culture and values” in mass protests on April 14, 1978, adding the Dedaena Park recreational spot in Tbilisi - where the protesters had gathered - had since become a symbol of “courage” and “invincivility” of the Georgian language.
The “unwavering” independence of the Georgian people was also praised in the address, in which the Embassy said it was important “as never before” to honour the protesters and their defence of the Georgian culture and values.
In the address, the significance of the event was highlighted in the face of attempts by Russia to “undermine” the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours - in reference to the Kremlin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the continued occupation of Georgian territories.
Members of the US diplomatic mission also reiterated their support for Georgia, and for the freedom of political choices of American partner states amid Russian actions.
Established in 1990, the Georgian Language Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the events of 1978, when public protests in Tbilisi forced Soviet authorities to abandon plans for stripping Georgian of the status of the official state language in the country.
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