Source: Agenda.ge
May 26, 2016
The Peace Bridge in Tbilisi lit up in the colours of Georgian National Flag to mark the day. Photo by Tbilisi City Hall.
Today Georgia is proudly celebrating 25 years since it became independent from the Soviet Union.
Georgia became independent in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Almost 100 years earlier, in 1918, the country first declared national independence from Russia and the Democratic Republic of Georgia was born.
This was short-lived and the country was re-invaded by Russia’s Bolshevik Army and absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1921. Seventy years later, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia once again became independent and today the country is marking 25 years since this fateful date.
Today 434 recruits made an oath to serve their country with the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF). Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
A major public celebration has already started in capital Tbilisi, while other public events are being held today in 12 other self-governing cities of Georgia.
In central Tbilisi festivities began at 11am with a Flower Festival, which will continue until 9pm at Freedom Square.
One of the most memorable events in today’s celebration took place at the beginning of the celebration program, where 434 recruits made an oath to serve their country with the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF).
The oath-taking ceremony started at 12pm at Freedom Square. Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
The ceremony began with a minute’s silence, and after listening to the national anthem, the 434 recruits made their oath and were welcomed into Georgia’s military.
For the first time in Georgia’s history recruits from Tbilisi and five Georgian towns - Ikalto, Vardzia, Kutaisi, Nokalakevi and Batumi - took the oath at the same time. The Tbilisi ceremony, held underneath the statue of St. George in Freedom Square, was attended by British, American and Polish military officials.
Polish soldiers also took part in the exercises. Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
A festive program of events will continue throughout the afternoon:
- 12pm: Oath-taking ceremony at Freedom Square
- 12-12.40pm, 3-3.40pm and 6-6.40pm: Pantomime street performances at Freedom Square, Rustaveli Ave and Rose Revolution Square;
- 12-5pm: An exhibition of historic artifacts at Rustaveli Theatre;
- 1pm: The project Drois Ambavi (A Matter of Time) will be presented on Rustaveli Ave;
- 2-2.30pm: Street theatre performances on Rustaveli Ave.
While these activities are taking place, children can enjoy bouncy castles or trampolines, or sit inside a police vehicle or military all-terrain vehicle. At Rose Revolution Square a racing track has been painted on the road where life-sized race cars will drive around the track.
The oath-taking ceremony was one of the most memorable events in today’s celebration.Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
Several stages have also been erected on Rustaveli Ave and will host musical and dancing performances throughout the day.
People can also learn about the activities of the Government too. All ministries and Governmental agencies are on show at small stalls on Rustaveli Ave. Georgia’s high officials will enjoy the celebrations too; Prime Minister Gorgi Kvirikashvili and other members of cabinet will walk along the main street of Georgia’s capital celebrating with the Georgian people.
One of recruits taking part at an oath-taking ceremony. Photo by Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
So wherever you are in Georgia today, head along to your local celebration and enjoy the public festivities marking Georgia’s 25th anniversary of independence.
