Even today, a large portion of our territory is occupied, our history exemplifies freedom’s triumph over occupation, -Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze stated after the ceremony of laying wreaths at the memorial of Georgian Junkers.

The Head of Government, together with the President, Cabinet Members, and MPs, laid a wreath at the Kojori memorial of the hero Junkers fallen in 1921.

“Today marks the most devastating day, the day of Soviet Occupation. The millennia-old history of the Georgian nation is one continuous fight for freedom. Even today, a large portion of our territory is occupied. Our history exemplifies freedom’s triumph over occupation. I bow to all Georgian heroes who sacrificed their lives for the homeland’s freedom and independence,”  – Mamuka Bakhtadze said.

Based on the July 21, 2010 resolution of the Parliament of Georgia, 25 February is declared as the Day of Soviet Occupation. On February 25, 1921, the 11th army of Soviet Russia took over Tbilisi and occupied the Democratic Republic of Georgia.  Junkers died in the struggle against the Soviet Red army near Tabakhmela-Kojori.

On this day, national flags fly at half-staff throughout Georgia.