In the military barracks ‘Strasho Pindjur’ in Petrovec, members of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (1stMIBr) of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia held a military ceremony to mark the Day of the Brigade in an honorable manner.
The Day of the Unit, determined by a decree from the President of the Republic of Macedonia, is remembrance of the day when the 1stMIBr, after reaching operational readiness took over the tasks and responsibilities of the two former brigades, in accordance with the new organization and formation structure of the ARM, with its command located in Petrovec.
The long and firm march of the echelons from all brigade’s units reflected the importance of this largest combat unit of the ARM, well known for its top results achieved in evaluations, exercise activities, peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and also for the help provided to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, whenever it was required.
The Commander of the 1stMIBr, Brigadier General Mirche Gjorgoski, in his address pointed out that patriotism as a driving force in all of us, the devoted effort and the commitment displayed in completing the tasks, represent a guarantee for the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia.
The words of praise for the successful engagement of the unit were not left out in the speech given by the commander of the Joint Operations Command (JOC), Brigadier General Zoran Mileski, in which he also referred to the need for constant commitment to building a military collective resolute in dealing with all security challenges.
Within the military ceremony programme, the 4th mortar battery of the 4th mechanized infantry battalion was declared best unit in the brigade, and incentive awards and promotions were given. At the end of the ceremony the guests could see the tactical technical display of machinery, weapons and equipment of the brigade followed by a performance from the cultural and artistic association ‘Ilinden’.
In the spirit of marking the 25th anniversary of the ARM, former commanders of the 1st and 2nd mechanized infantry brigade, Generals in retirement, after the ceremony evoked some important moments from the history of the brigade.
Besides the Chief of the ARM General Staff, Lieutenant General Metodija Velichkovski, the ceremony was attended by the ARM Generals, representatives of the President’s cabinet, representatives of the MoD and the ARM GS, commanders of commands and units subordinate to the ARM GS, former brigade commanders, Generals in retirement, local self-government representatives and other eminent guests.
