The Army of the Republic of Macedonia today with a parade in the “Ilinden” barracks in Skopje marked the 20th anniversary. The state leadership, led by the President and Supreme Commander, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, the Speaker Trajko Veljanovski, ministers, MPs, ambassadors, military attaches, were presented the echelons of all units of the Army, the combat resources, the technique and aircrafts part of the formational composition of the Army. The parade was also attended by echelon of the United States Armed Forces, and was followed by a many citizens.

On the occasion of the Army Day and the 20th anniversary, President Ivanov awarded posthumously Medals of Bravery to 57 Macedonian service members. President Ivanov has adopted a decree to posthumously award Medal of Bravery to all members of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia who courageously and sacrificially gave their lives for the country, including the 11 members of the Army who on January 12, 2008, returning from the ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were killed in a helicopter crash near Katlanovsko Blace.

Today, as President Ivanov stressed in his address, we remember all those who gave a sacrifice for the country, defending freedom, independence and sovereignty of Macedonia, defending the territorial integrity of the single homeland we have - the Republic of Macedonia.

Within the celebration of the jubilee in the past days a solemn academy was held in the Army Hall, flowers were laid at the monument to fallen military members, promoted officers were formally decorated and awards to retired generals, military personnel and civilians were presented. There was also honorary artillery fire in the “Ilinden” barracks yesterday.

Development, training and education of ARM members began in March 1992 with the weapons and equipment of the Territorial Defence, after the withdrawal of the former Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) from the then Third Army area.

On December 23, 1993, the Assembly validated the decision for a full-fledged NATO membership as a strategic goal. In November 1995, Macedonia became the 27th member of the Partnership for Peace initiative and in March next year was admitted to the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. The Army in 2002 launched its reform process, which should result in deserved invitation to join NATO, which is delayed due to the Greek blockades.

The combat readiness level of the members of the Macedonian Army is practically demonstrated with the engagement of certain units of ARM in international missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with the participation in multi-national peacekeeping brigade SIBRIG.