At the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” in Skopje, in the presence of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the Minister of Defence, Vlado Misajlovski and the Chief of the Army’s General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski, a military ceremony was held on the occasion of promotion of the 24th class cadets, the Officer Course for Services attendees and the Basic Course for Non-commissioned Officers attendees.
38 cadets of the 24th class were promoted to the rank Second Lieutenant, 24 of them are part of our Army and 14 from the Armies of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. 60 attendees of the Officers Course for Services were promoted to the rank Lieutenant and 60 non-commissioned officers were promoted to the rank Sergeant.
Addressing the newly appointed officers and non-commissioned officers, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized: “I know that your lives differ. But today, here and during your studies they have merged. Life is a bumpy, unstoppable march towards freedom, knowledge, and success. Never forget that the road was paved and opened by the Ilinden Uprising fighters, the Partisans, and then you. The Army is, in fact, a family of personal stories, but it is not an ordinary group of people. There is something in common – all of you here, of whom I am proud, officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, are bound by something sacred, by a solemn oath, to defend the freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our Macedonian homeland. Of course, the military requires discipline, not just dedication. Therefore, you should be disciplined, conscientious and responsible, in the same way as during your studies, while performing your obligations and duties as defenders of the freedom and honour of the motherland. Never forget where you come from. Never forget your oath, you are here first and foremost for the Macedonian citizens and for the defence of the Macedonian republic”.
The Minister of Defence, Vlado Misajlovski addressed the new Army leaders, officers and non-commissioned officers and said: “Leadership is not only authority, leadership is inspiration, setting an example and nurturing a work environment in which everyone can progress, thus you are asked to lead with wisdom, courage, determination and to make decisions with honesty and integrity, which in turn will reflect the values that define our Army.” Misajlovski emphasized that today’s promotion is recognition of their work, but also a proof of the faith given to become part of the institution with the greatest trust among the citizens. He expressed gratitude for their decision to serve the country and citizens and to their families for the support and understanding of their determination. In his address, Minister Misajlovski emphasizes the importance of the Military Academy on a regional level.
The Dean of the Military Academy, Colonel Mitko Bogdanovski, in his speech said, “With your persistence and determination, you have shown that every obstacle can be overcome.” Together, with dedication and faith, you overcame all doubts and confirmed your strength. Each of you has a role to play in this success story. And today, you stand here not only as individuals, but as proof of what can be achieved when people work together, believing in themselves. This is your time to prove your abilities, to show what true courage means and to build a bright future for the Army and the country”.
Today’s ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Sports, Borko Ristovski, representatives of the military diplomatic corps from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and other high-ranking guests from the Ministry and the Army, as well as parents, relatives and friends of the newly appointed military personnel.
