The wife of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, today, on the day marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, organized a reception in the Presidential Villa for the families of the fallen members of ARM.

Welcoming the present parents, wives, sons and daughters of the fallen Macedonian defenders, Ms. Ivanova expressed deep appreciation and admiration for their will, courage and perseverance, as well as the manner they cope the loss of their loved ones.

“I would like to voice that it is a loss for all of us and we sympathize with you. The loss is irreparable and there are no adequate words of comfort, but, be assured that their names will forever be remembered by all Macedonian citizens and will remain engraved in the heart of our homeland, because they sacrificed themselves for our future and happiness. Your fathers and sons were ordinary people, but they were also Macedonia’s heroes”, Ms. Ivanova addressed the families of the fallen members of ARM.

Stressing that every Macedonian will always remember with pride the fallen heroes, the First Lady said that the Medal of Bravery that was posthumously awarded to them today is recognition for what they have done for us and for our country.

"With these Medals of Bravery, awarded today by the President, Macedonia bowed to the fallen defenders", Ms. Ivanova said.

She expressed hope that every member of the families of the fallen soldiers should feel the home of Ivanovi as their own home, because they will always find true friends therein.

"I am glad that you are here today. Our home is your home, and, always, with us, you can share your pain and sorrow, but also all the joys and challenges that life brings", the First Lady of the Republic of Macedonia, Ms. Maja Ivanova, said.