A ceremonial meeting of public representatives in honor of the Defender of the Fatherland Day and the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the Defense Ministry of the Republic was held in Tskhinval.
Before the event, President of the Republic Alan Gagloev familiarized himself with the international photo project "We Accuse!" - on the evidence of Ukrainian crimes in Donbass and other frontline Russian territories. The photo exhibition is located in front of the building of the State Drama Theater.
The ceremonial meeting was attended by officials of the Republic, headed by President Alan Gagloev, Russian Ambassador to the Republic Marat Kulakhmetov, representatives of the security forces, and the public of the Republic.
At the beginning of the event, those present were shown a film about the history of the formation of the Defense Ministry of South Ossetia.
Alan Gagloev congratulated the defenders of the Fatherland on the significant holiday.
"On this day, we honor those who are fulfilling their military duty today, who defended South Ossetia in the past years, who created and strengthened our Armed Forces, starting from the moment the defense department was created," Gagloev noted.
The President has emphasized that February 23 is a professional holiday, but at all times, the defense of the Motherland has been and remains the moral duty of everyone.
"Our people have always treated with special respect those who bear the title of warrior with dignity. Shoulder straps and military uniform have always been a symbol of military honor, and in the hour of military threat, everyone who could hold a weapon in their hands rose to defend the country.
Preserving the national tradition, on this day the people honor everyone who swore an oath of allegiance to the Fatherland with weapons," the head of state said.
Acting Minister of Defense of South Ossetia Inal Sabanov has noted that February 23 is a holiday for military personnel and veterans of military service, participants in military operations, who gave the best years of their lives in the name of the independence of the Republic.
"Today we are celebrating a holiday dedicated to all generations of defenders of the Fatherland. Many of those present at the ceremonial meeting contributed to repelling external aggression, honor and praise to you," the Acting Minister of Defense addressed the defenders.
Sabanov has emphasized that at present, citizens of South Ossetia are carrying out the most difficult combat missions in the special military operation zone.
"In the best traditions of the Ossetian army, our fighters demonstrate examples of heroism," he said.Inal Sabanov has emphasized that the leadership of the Republic has created the necessary conditions for the progressive and dynamic development of the National Guard.
By decree of the President of the Republic, the medals "Defender of the Fatherland" and "For Service in Guarding Peace in South Ossetia" were awarded to the servicemen of the Ministry of Defense Batradz Khanikaev and Atsamaz Osyaev.
The event continued with a festive concert with the participation of South Ossetian performers and creative groups.
