Defence Minister hails Independence Day as “pillar of national identity”

Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze on Friday said the Independence Day was an “important event” for citizens of the country and called the date a “pillar of our national identity”. 

In his comments as the date was marked across Georgia in events, Burchuladze noted May 26 was a date that symbolised the “centuries-old struggle” for the country's independence and freedom.

This day is an important event for every Georgian. It is one of the pillars of our national identity. Today, I would like to congratulate all citizens of Georgia, all members of our public, our Abkhazian and Ossetian fellow citizens, all those who share a common history and will surely have a common, dignified future”, Burchuladze said.

The official “particularly” congratulated veterans and servicemembers of the Defence Forces, as well as the recruits who took their military oath earlier during the day to launch the celebrations.

I want to bow to the memory of our fallen heroes. It was their self-sacrifice and indomitable spirit that created our statehood and independence”, Burchuladze also said in his comments.

The Minister also focused on the importance of creating “even stronger and more effective” democratic state institutions, strengthening the country's security and ensuring peace.