The day of November 23, 1989 will remain in our hearts as a symbol of courage and heroism, President of the Republic Alan Gagloev, said at the memorial rally near the Pris Upland.
Today, the Republic is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Day of Courage and National Unity. Thousands of residents of the Republic gathered at the rally at the entrance to Tskhinval.
“35 years ago, on this chilly November day, a handful of young, unarmed, but determined people stood in the way of a column of thousands. They stood with their hands clasped to protect their land, their loved ones and their future. They did not think about awards and glory, did not expect help and knew only one thing - we cannot allow our city, our land and people to become the victims of violence and chaos," the President said.
The head of state has emphasized that those young people became a symbol of our national spirit.
"These guys, whom we proudly call heroes today, became a symbol of our national spirit. Their actions inspired not only Tskhinval, but also the entire Ossetian people, uniting them in the face of trials. In those days, the enemies of South Ossetia wanted to break us, but instead they saw how the people turned into the indestructible wall. They did not expect that every resident, from young guys to old people and women, would become a defender of their land," Gagloev has noted.
The President also said that the South Ossetian people had proved to the whole world that unity and courage cpuld stop any threat.
"Since that day, our history has been filled with other feats, difficult decisions and sacrifices. South Ossetia survived the difficult years of blockade, bloodshed but remained unconquered. We defended our right to freedom and independence and this is the merit of every resident of our Republic who was standing, working and fighting for the Motherland," the head of state added.
Gagloev has noted that today every resident of the Republic should ask himself what the feat of days means for them now, emphasizing that this is not only a memory of the past, it is advice for the future.
"The feat of our heroes reminds us that we are obliged to protect our country, culture and our unity. Each of us is responsible for the prosperity of our Republic, for our children to live in peace, prosperity and be proud of their homeland," Gagloev has added.
The President expressed words of gratitude to the veterans, participants in those events, everyone who in those simple days did not flinch in the face of danger.
"Thank you for your heroism and example, which inspires us today. Let our Republic continue to develop and grow stronger, and let the memory of those who stood up to defend their land live in our hearts and serve as an example for future generations,” Gagloev has concluded.
