Ready to protect!

Soldiers, veterans, defenders of Pridnestrovie, soldiers-internationalists, representatives of the Cossacks, the Suvorov Military College pupils, Cadets gathered in the main hall of the republic. On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, a solemn meeting was held here. Galina Antyufeeva, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Igor Buga and Oleg Belyakov, deputies of the Supreme Council, became guests of the holiday.

The company of the guard of honor entered the Flag of the Armed Forces of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, the guests were welcomed by the Minister of Defense Oleg Obruchkov.

Oleg Obruchkov recalled the glorious traditions of the Soviet Army, the successors of which are the Armed Forces of Pridnestrovie. The right to live on their own land in 1992 was defended by sons, daughters, grandsons of soldiers who won the Great Patriotic War. According to the Minister of Defense, the Pridnestrovian people can be confident that the army today has everything necessary to defend the freedom and independence of the republic. Oleg Obruchkov thanked the veterans, soldiers-internationalists for the invaluable contribution they make to the education of the young generation of defenders.

The guests of the holiday were shown a video film about the development of the armed forces. From year to year the Pridnestrovian army becomes more professional, mobile, the prestige of military service rises. Recent years, the intensity of combat training of military personnel increased. Next year the first graduation will be held at the Tiraspol Suvorov Military College. The students will join the ranks of professional military.

Much attention is paid to the improvement of legislation relating to military service. Today's draftees serve one year, most military units have switched to working hours, and university students have the opportunity to serve and learn at the same time. The relevant amendments to the law "On Universal Military Duty and Military Service" were initiated by the head of state and supported by the Supreme Council.

At the end of the solemn assembly, the servicemen were awarded state awards and were given the next military ranks. The holiday gift was bright concert performed by the orchestra of the General Staff of the Pridnestrovian Armed Forces.