“Georgia will never accept loss of its freedom without fight” - Georgian Parliament Speaker marks Cadets’ Memorial Day

On the day of remembrance for the fallen Junkers, Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday issued a statement linking Georgia’s historical struggles to the modern geopolitical landscape, describing the month as a symbol of the nation’s enduring fight for freedom, independence, and unity.

In a social media message, Papuashvili noted that reflecting on the battles of a century ago is particularly relevant today. He drew a direct parallel to current global shifts, stating that the active phase of modern regional cataclysms began in February with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“The current confrontation shows the dangers posed by misjudging circumstances, failing to see the bigger picture, misunderstanding the intentions of geopolitically powerful states, and internal institutional weakness. These and many other factors led to the short-lived existence of Georgia’s First Republic. Yet even this brief period left us with valuable experience that still helps us correctly understand events and make prudent decisions today”, the speaker said.

Papuashvili added that Georgians honour the cadets’ devotion as the highest expression of patriotism and love for the homeland - an example of self-sacrifice even in a battle already doomed to defeat.

“This devotion and heroism - shielding one’s country in extreme circumstances - will never be forgotten”, he stressed, citing the legacy of Maro Makashvili, Shalva Eristavi and others, as well as, in modern times, Giorgi Antsukhelidze, the Romelashvili brothers, and hundreds of other heroes who gave their lives for the country’s unity in Samachablo and Abkhazia.

“That is why we need state resilience, prudence, and the strength to confront threats through political means - so that we may have living cadets and living heroes, so that words do not fall silent and cannons do not speak”, the speaker continued.

Papuashvili concluded with a firm message regarding Georgia’s sovereignty. While the priority is peace and political solutions, Papuashvili warned that if an extreme moment ever arises, “Georgia will not surrender and will not accept the loss of freedom, independence, and unity without a fight. Georgia will fight as it has always fought”.

Cadets’ Memorial Day, observed annually on February 23 in Georgia, commemorates the young military cadets who sacrificed their lives fighting the Soviet Russian Red Army during the February 1921 invasion. The day honours the bravery of students who died defending Tbilisi, particularly in the fierce battles at Kojori-Tabakhmela.