“I congratulate you on Veterans’ Day. On behalf of the Georgian people, I extend our deepest gratitude to you for defending our homeland in the most challenging of times. Today, which belongs to Georgia’s veterans, is yet another reminder that we must take exceptional care of those values and principles which you heroically defended and continue to defend to this day,” the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, stated in his address at an event dedicated to Veterans’ Day.

In his remarks, the President emphasised the importance of peace and freedom, noting that veterans understand their value better than anyone.

“We are a small but dignified and proud nation that knows well the price of peace and freedom. Our historical experience and centuries of trials have taught us that for Georgians, these concepts are inextricably linked, because the struggle for freedom also means the struggle for peace, whilst preserving peace inherently means protecting freedom. You know better than anyone the price paid for peace and freedom, just as you recognise that safeguarding what has been achieved demands constant vigilance and care, a challenging and ongoing endeavour. Georgia is a land of heroes, and you are among the finest examples of this. It is the duty of each and every one of us always to remember your sacrifice,” the President declared.

Mikheil Kavelashvili paid tribute to the memory of heroes who gave their lives for the homeland.

“I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of heroes who sacrificed themselves for the homeland. It is our duty to preserve for future generations the knowledge of your heroism, because raising our children with the right values and principles, and awakening the national spirit within them, is the principal guarantee of Georgia’s bright future and firm sovereignty,” Mikheil Kavelashvili stated.

As the President noted in his address, one of the state’s chief priorities is standing alongside veterans. Mikheil Kavelashvili thanked them on behalf of the Georgian people for their service to the country and their remarkable dedication.

“Standing by your side is one of the state’s principal priorities, which has been demonstrated through concrete action for many years now. Your contribution to the Georgian nation and society is invaluable; accordingly, society must always remember and appreciate your service, and we shall do everything to ensure this. On behalf of the Georgian people, I extend our deepest gratitude to you for defending our homeland in the most challenging of times. May God protect our homeland and us all,” the President declared.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, and representatives of the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church.