The military ceremony which took place at the watch-tower ‘Ramna Niva’ marked the 25th anniversary of Macedonian national flag being waved on the border. This date is also the day of ARM Reserve Forces Command (RFC). The supreme commander of the Armed Forces HE Gjorge Ivanov and Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Metodija Velichkovski were present at the ceremony.
In the year that marks 25 years of ARM foundation this event was emphasized with a great respect as one of the cornerstones of the creation of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, which signified the acquisition and the control of the state border.
With the ceremony of raising the national flag of the Republic of Macedonia on the mast of the former watch-tower ‘Ramna Niva’ by the participants of the event on March 11, 1992, who were then members of the reserve forces of the former territorial defense, gave a symbolical meaning to this significant event from the history of ARM and the Republic of Macedonia.
In his address, President Ivanov stressed the importance of this event for the Republic of Macedonia and emphasized that today, as a quarter century ago, we have an army which is a protector from the threats, a pride of the citizens and a hope for peace in the country.
In their speeches, Commander of Joint Operations Command, Brigadier General Zoran Mileski and Commander of RFC Colonel Kiro Kalkov also took note of the historical role and the importance of this event for the beginning of ARM and its further development.
The military ceremony that is also a celebration of the RFC, despite President Ivanov and General Velichkovski, was attended by ARM Generals, RFC representatives, MoI representatives, local government representatives, members of the organization of reserve military officers and other distinguished guests.
On the occasion of the day of the unit incentives were given to members of the unit for the successful achievements and greetings were read which was followed by a short cultural performance.
On 11th March 1992, members of the reserve forces of Kriva Palanka Territorial Defence at that time divided into three units. They took over watch-towers “Ramna Niva”, “Deve Bair” and “Kopriva” from the former JNA. Then for the first time Macedonian flag was waved in the watch-tower “Ramna Niva” raised by Dragi Mitovski, a soldier of the Territorial Defense and the watch-tower was taken over and commanded by the Macedonian Staff Sergeant Sonko Angelovski.
By the decision of the President of the Republic of Macedonia and ARM Supreme Commander HE Gjorge Ivanov, 11th March is defined as the Day of ARM reserve command. This date, together with other important history dates, is the fundament of ARM traditions.
