AKIPRESS.COM - President Sadyr Japarov congratulated Kyrgyzstanis on the Defender of the Fatherland Day marked on February 23.

"Every year on this day we pay tribute to the defenders of the Fatherland, highly honor their courage, glorify our brave sons and daughters who honestly serve for the good of the Fatherland, setting an example for younger generation. This holiday reminds us of our sacred duty to protect the Fatherland, which we inherited from our ancestors. After all, defense of the Fatherland is a sacred duty and a noble goal for every person - a true patriot," the President said.

"The courage and heroism of the older generations, who fulfilled their military duty, defending their Fatherland during the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars, the war in Afghanistan, in the events in Batken and other bloody wars, will forever remain in the hearts of our people. It is our duty, starting from school, to remember the exploits of the heroes who shed blood and gave their lives for the country," the President stated.

"Our people continue to honor the courage of the soldiers of the first units of the Red Army, as well as the day of its formation to this day, which was celebrated annually in the former Soviet Union space as the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. We remember our ancestors, who stood up like a fortress to defend the Fatherland when the state was faced with a difficult situation. Our people will never forget the names of the brave defenders who gave their lives for their Fatherland. Today our country is on a solid path of development, the combat readiness of our army is increasing. At the same time, in the current era of globalization, we all must be prepared for new challenges and growing threats," the President stressed.

"May we have many sons and daughters who respect the traditions and values of their ancestors, who defended their Fatherland like the apple of their eye! May there always be peace in our Kyrgyzstan!" the President concluded.