“April 30, the Day of the Georgian Defense Forces, is a special date for our state. It is a day when we express our deepest respect and gratitude to those patriots who serve with dignity every day and, at the cost of their own lives, defend our country’s sovereignty, peace, and security,” said the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, during a ceremonial event dedicated to Defense Forces Day.

As Kavelashvili noted, the Georgian people have a long history of fighting for freedom, with generations having tirelessly defended their identity, faith, and homeland.

“The Day of the Georgian Defense Forces is not only a professional holiday for the military but also a manifestation of the unity of the entire society, state responsibility, and national consciousness.

The history of the Georgian people is a history of struggle for freedom. We can proudly say that for centuries our ancestors fought tirelessly to protect their identity, faith, and homeland. It is this continuous and principled struggle that has shaped our national character and the inner strength that has helped our country overcome many historical challenges,” he stated.

According to him, military service is one of the main pillars of national unity.

“For us, Georgians, military service is not just a profession. It is the continuation of a deep tradition passed down from generation to generation—a tradition that unites the past, present, and future and serves as one of the key foundations of our national unity.

Today, you are the force that stands ready every moment to protect the safety of the state and its citizens. Your loyalty and resilience deserve special appreciation from the Georgian people. Special thanks also go to the families of military personnel—those who, with great patience, support, and inner strength, share the burden of this honorable yet difficult service.

As you know, the modern security environment is rapidly changing and requires constant vigilance, strengthening, and development from the state, especially in light of current global challenges. That is why strengthening the Georgian Defense Forces is one of the country’s top priorities. Your proper support, professional development, and the enhancement of defense capabilities directly determine our country’s security, stability, and the future we are building together.

With the greatest respect and humility, I would like to remember our fallen heroes who sacrificed the most precious thing—their lives—for the freedom and dignity of the homeland. I bow before their memory. Their names will forever remain in the memory of our people as examples of sacrifice, resilience, and selfless love for the homeland,” the President said.

Mikheil Kavelashvili also congratulated young people who took the military oath and veterans on the 35th anniversary of the Georgian Defense Forces.

“I would like to congratulate the young people who took the military oath today. From this day on, you take on a special responsibility not only to yourselves but also to your homeland.

By taking the military oath, you become part of a continuous chain that has united generations of Georgian patriots for centuries.

I would especially like to congratulate our proud veterans on the 35th anniversary of the Georgian Defense Forces—people who, through their experience, courage, and dedication, laid the foundation for the modern Georgian army.

Your contribution is a living example for present and future generations. Your patriotism, loyalty, sacrifice, and professionalism are a source of inspiration for those who continue this responsible path today,” Kavelashvili stated.