Georgian PM thanks soldiers for their “heroism” at launch of Week of Injured Servicemembers

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday paid “special respect” to the injured soldiers of Georgian armed forces for their “heroism” and thanked them for “their bravery and selfless devotion”, as the Week of Injured Servicemembers launched at the Maro Makashvili Military Servicemember Rehabilitation Centre in Tserovani settlement near the capital Tbilisi.

In his address, Garibashvili noted that the Government was “under an obligation” to the servicemembers, who had “honourably” done their “duty” in all peacekeeping missions, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Central Africa, and especially emphasised his Government’s and society’s duty to express their gratitude towards the armed forces.

Photo via Government Administration

We were represented everywhere with dignity, and with our heroism, perseverance and unbroken spirit, we showed what it means to be a loyal and worthy partner”, he added, noting the country had proved the “worthy partnership and loyalty” to its partners, American friends and NATO member countries, with whom Georgians fought side by side and protected international peace.

He commemorated 32 heroes who had died during the international missions and said “hundreds of” Georgian soldiers had also sacrificed “the most precious thing - health”.

Photo via Government Administration

Garibashvili also expressed gratitude to the partners and especially to the United States, highlighting joint work with them, including the establishment of an “exemplary”  Servicemember Rehabilitation Centre.

We always gratefully emphasise the contribution made by our American partners, our NATO member countries in the process of transformation and training of our army, and of course, I want to emphasise once again, we are grateful [for this]”, he added.

The PM said he was proud to mention the successes the servicemembers had achieved in various sports competitions and once again thanked them for their “unbroken spirit”.

Photo via Government Administration

I would like to express once again the hope that the service of Georgian soldiers will be “duly appreciated”, the Head of the Government said, stressing all the success Georgia had achieved belonged to the servicemembers, armed forces and in general, Georgian people.

The invited guests were also addressed by the Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze, who highlighted the merits of the injured servicemembers.

Photo via Government Administration

11 individual and two team sports competitions are planned during the week dedicated to the injured servicemembers at the Rehabilitation Centre, where the soldiers will test their physical abilities in basketball, running at different distances, shooting, table tennis, volleyball and various types of para-sports. An exhibition of military equipment and an entertainment program for children of the soldiers are also planned within the week.