Skopje, 16 August 2024 (MIA) - Ahead of August 18 – Day of the Army, employees at the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Army held a traditional formal event Friday which was addressed by the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski and Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski.

Congratulating the Day of the Army to employees at the General Staff and the Defense Ministry, General Gjurchinovski noted he is proud of the professionalism and commitment of all employees, stating that numerous improvements in the living and working conditions were realized in the past six years.

Defense Minister Misajlovski noted that the Day of the Army is an occasion to highlight the achievements and recognize the courage and dedication of all members of the Army.

“Today we begin our events marking August 18 – Day of the Macedonian Army. A day dedicated to all of you, men and women that act as the unwavering shield of our security and stability, of our country. A day to highlight the achievements, pay our respects and recognize the courage and dedication of all Army members. In dealing with the everyday challenges and crisis situations you are always prepared to respond. That is a testimony to the values you hold within yourselves – honor, loyalty, integrity,” Minister Misajlovski said. 

Misajlovski also touched upon the members of the Army who gave their lives in their duty.

“Their memory lives in us all, and their courage inspires us because they demonstrated the real meaning of service, it is up to us to continue to respect their memory,” Misajlovski said. 

As part of the events marking Day of the Army, Defense Minister Misajlovski, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Gjurchinovski, Major General Azim Nuredin and a delegation composed of representatives of the families of the fallen defenders laid flowers at the memorial to the fallen defenders in front of the building of the Defense Ministry.

The central event marking the Day of the Army will be held on August 18 at the Army’s Water Training Center in Ohrid and will be attended by the highest representatives of the Army and the state, the General Staff of the Army said. 

Photo: General Staff of the Army