Georgian Parliament Speaker: veterans’ experience reminds us how precious independence is, how hard-won peace can be

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday paid tribute to veterans, saying their service and experience serve as a reminder of the value of independence, the cost of peace and the importance of a strong state.

Speaking at an event marking Veterans Day, Papuashvili said Georgia honoured those who had placed service to their homeland above their personal interests during the most difficult periods in the country’s history.

He stressed that younger generations should learn from veterans that a state does not exist by itself, but is built and defended by people who, when the time comes, choose the country’s interests over their own.

“When we speak about you, our veterans, we naturally remember fighting, sacrifice and military service first. However, your contribution did not end when the fighting stopped. You continue to carry your experience, the memory of your fellow soldiers, a special sense of friendship and loyalty, and the responsibility that service to the homeland instils”, Papuashvili said.

He noted that veterans had lived through some of the most difficult periods in Georgia’s recent history, fighting for the country’s territorial integrity, independence and security.

The Parliament Speaker added that remembering fallen comrades and honouring their contributions was a shared responsibility.

“Remembrance is not only about honouring the past. It is also a responsibility to protect what they fought for and gave their lives for”, he said.

Papuashvili stressed that the state’s responsibility towards veterans did not end when their military service or combat duties were over.

He said the state must value their experience, address their needs, support their families and ensure that none felt their service to the homeland had been forgotten.

The Parliament Speaker further highlighted veterans’ role in passing on lessons that textbooks alone could not fully teach, including standing by fellow soldiers, overcoming fear in difficult moments, taking responsibility and serving a cause greater than oneself.

“The younger generation must understand from you that a state does not exist by itself. It is built and defended by people who, when the time comes, choose the interests of their country over their own”, he said.

Papuashvili added that veterans’ experiences should not remain merely personal memories, but become part of the country’s collective knowledge, historical memory and legacy for future generations.

He said veterans, having witnessed war firsthand, understood the true value of peace and that their voices remained important as Georgia sought to preserve peace, strengthen its defence capabilities and protect its national interests.

“Today, when part of our country’s territory remains occupied and the international security environment continues to face serious challenges, your experience once again reminds us how precious independence is, how hard-won peace can be and how important a strong state is”, the Parliament Speaker noted.

He thanked veterans for their service, resilience and example to their children, grandchildren and future generations, as well as their families, who had shared the hardships of military service and conflict.

“I wish you good health, strength, a dignified life and, above all, peace, whose true value you understand better than anyone. Happy Veterans Day. May God protect you all! May God protect Georgia!” Papuashvili said.