Respected Members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia,
Dear Citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, it is my true honor to greet you today at the ceremonial parade of the units of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, on the occasion of May 9 - Europe Day and Victory Day.

Today is a day when Europe celebrates the 64th anniversary of the Robert Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation of the European Union, one of the most successful peace projects in history, but also a day when we mark the 69th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

The Victory Day meant building of a new democratic world, of new values and new relations. The United Nations, NATO, the European Union were thus established. Who could have believed that the ruins of the torn and bloody Europe would turn into a politically and economically powerful European Union, that the dream of a united Europe would come true? This peace project is still unfinished and we should not wait any longer for a full unification of Europe.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Macedonia has proudly celebrated these two bright dates in history. In the year when we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first ASNOM session, we remember the great contribution of our people in the victory over fascism. A moment that contributes to the lasting peace on the European continent.

Macedonian partisans became part of the great and just coalition of allies that fought against the evils of fascism and Nazism.

For many European countries, the anti-fascist struggle was ideological struggle against fascism and Nazism as the greatest evils of the 20th century. For the Macedonian people, however, the anti-fascist struggle was also a struggle for national liberation of Macedonia.

The participants in the National Liberation Struggle considered themselves as followers of the deeds of the Ilinden fighters, as factors in achieving their dream – a dream of a free and independent Macedonia. For that, we are eternally grateful to them.

Distinguished Guests,

Today, our generation has also a just mission, to build, in togetherness and unity, the Republic of Macedonia as a democratic and economically advanced country which fosters the values of all who live in it. Our mission is to bring the Republic of Macedonia into the great European and Euro-Atlantic family of nations, with all the dignity we deserve.

You, the members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, known for your professionalism, dedication and achievements, constantly exceeding our expectations and the expectations of our partners and allies, should take, as soon as possible, your rightful place in NATO, sharing equal responsibility as in the numerous successful rotations in the ISAF, EULEX and UNIFIL peacekeeping missions.

It is an aspiration that brings all our citizens together, regardless of ethnic, religious or any other affiliation.

Today's event is yet another confirmation that the Army of the Republic of Macedonia remains ready to take its place in NATO. We still abide to the values that nearly seven decades ago led to the collapse of fascism and to the creation of the preconditions for unification of the European continent.

Choosing the right path, as it was done in the WW II, this generation deserves to be part of Europe and part of the progressive and advanced world, as a country with democratic and economic prosperity. All obstacles that are non-essential by nature and have nothing to do with the values upon which the modern democratic world is built will not stop us in attaining our goal.

Dear Friends,

At the end, once again, I congratulate you May 9, deeply convinced that we will continue to work according to the three values that have marked these decades: patriotism, perseverance and professionalism. Values that are a prerequisite for our freedom, justice and dignity.

Many happy returns of May 9, the Victory Day!
Long live the Army of the Republic of Macedonia!
Long live the Republic of Macedonia!