“We have our own February, a symbol of the struggle for freedom, independence, and unity,” writes the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, on social media to mark the Day of Remembrance of the Junkers.

As Papuashvili observes, “recalling the battles of a century ago is all the more pertinent today, as we live through an era of global and regional upheaval, an era whose active phase began in February, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

“The conflict now unfolding lays bare the dangers that flow from misreading a situation, from failing to see the larger picture, from a failure to grasp the intentions of states possessed of geopolitical interests and power, and from internal institutional weakness; these and other factors combined to cut short the life of Georgia’s First Republic. And yet even that brief period bequeathed us lessons of lasting value, lessons that help us still to understand events clearly and to make decisions wisely.

Today, we honour the devotion of the Junkers as the highest expression of patriotism and love of country, as an example of self-sacrifice, even in a battle already condemned to defeat. Their courage and selflessness, their resolve to shield their homeland in its darkest hour, will never be forgotten. This is the legacy of Maro Makashvili, Shalva Eristavi, and their fellows, just as it is the legacy of Giorgi Antsukhelidze, the Romelashvili brothers, and hundreds of other heroes who gave their lives for the unity of their country in Samachablo and Abkhazia.

It is precisely for this reason that we need the strength of statesmanship, wisdom, and the capacity to confront threats by political means, so that our Junkers and heroes may live; so that words are not stilled and cannons do not speak in their stead.

And yet, should the most extreme hour ever come, let every adversary know: Georgia will not capitulate. It will not yield its freedom, its independence, or its unity without a fight. Georgia will fight, as it has always fought,” Shalva Papuashvili wrote on social media.