Today, at the military barracks “Ilinden”, Skopje, there was a celebration for the Victory Day over Fascism, the 9th of May. There were a lot of guests including the President of the Republic of Macedonia and the Supreme Commander PhD Gjorge Ivanov, the Chief of General Stuff of ARM Lieutenant General Gorancho Koteski, the State Defense Secretary Sasho Stefanoski, active and retired ARM Generals, distinguished representatives of Ministry of Defense and General Staff of ARM, Defense Attachés with accreditation in the Republic of Macedonia, representatives of Union of Veterans of National Liberation War of Macedonia, commanders of the subordinate commands and units of GS of ARM and other guests.
President Ivanov emphasized in his speech, how important was the Victory Day as a day when a new democratic world was built, with new values and relations. United Nations, NATO and the European Union were some of the organizations which he mentioned. He pointed out that politically and economically powerful European Union was founded on the ruins of bleeding Europe. He reminded the audience that the dream of united Europe, a peacekeeping project which had not been completed yet, had to be fulfilled and we did not need to wait for it to be completed but we needed to join it. He said that, on this day Macedonia chose the right way in the Second World War, consequently, today’s generation deserved to be a part of Europe, a part of the progressive world, as a country with democratic and economic prosperity. Additionally, he said that all impediments were not important and were not connected to the essential values on which today’s modern and democratic world was built, and they would not stop us to reach our goal.
At the end, in front of all units of ARM, President Ivanov said: “You, the servicemen of the Army of Republic of Macedonia are well known for your professionalism, dedication, and achievements, which constantly exceed our expectations and our partners and allies’ expectations, you need to take your well deserved place in the NATO Alliance with the same responsibility as the one you have shown at the various peacekeeping missions of ISAF, EULEX and UNIFIL.”
Before President Ivanov’s speech, there was a parade with all ARM units to honor the Victory Day over Fascism.
