Distinguished Attendees,
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In this passing year, we are celebrating two decades of the independence of our homeland, the Republic of Macedonia. And, today, to my great pleasure and pride, we recollect a few brave individuals.

Bravery and self-sacrifice are among the essential, yet rare human virtues. Sometimes so rare that people wonder whether they even exist in this modern world. I am very happy and proud that the people I bestow today have given the right answer. Not only does bravery exist in our society, but it also reflects the basic humanity that knows of no ethnic, religious or linguistic differences. At the same time, the only thing that matters is to give a helping hand to those whose lives are in danger.

Brave citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, I would like to tell you that the meaning of your deeds is even greater, since you have shown that real heroism does not come from the ambition to be better than the others even if it costs us our life. On the contrary, real heroism comes from the urge to help others even if it costs us our life. With your sincere self-sacrifice, you have done great deeds, and, thus, you are a great example to the rest.

As a Supreme Commander, I am proud of the bravery of the members of the special operations regiment of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia: Lieutenant-Colonel Jordev, Major Vojneski, Major Velkov, Sergeant Major Stoilkov, Sergeant Major Ristov and Sergeant Trajkov. You all participated in an extremely dangerous mission, last year in March, pulling out the body of the miner Vlatko Ilkovski. You executed your mission professionally, thus you have strengthened the confidence of the Macedonian citizens in the Army.

Dear Attendees,

I am very glad that today Sami Nuredini is with us. I am convinced that “human life is the most sacred thing”, our brave Sami, without hesitation, jumped into the cold January water of the river Vardar to save the drowning young girl. However, that was not his first time. I believe that we all remember his courage, in the summer of 2009, when Sami saved the life of the young child that was drowning in the water of the river Treska in Saraj.

Our brave men have shown us that we should not live this life only for ourselves, but we should also help people in trouble.

Therefore, I would like you to know that we are grateful for what you have done. Rest assured that our homeland, Macedonia, is lucky to have such brave men, ready to save a life. Lucky, because as long as Macedonia is a country of brave men, it will also be a country of honest, virtuous and humane, of people who appreciate life as God’s gift.

Due to your exceptional bravery, self-sacrifice and endurance, you are proven as worthy sons of Macedonia. Therefore, as a token of our deep appreciation and gratitude to all of you, it is my great honour and pleasure to bestow upon you this Medal of Bravery.