The speech of the Defense Minister on the occasion of 105th Anniversary of Constitution of the Armed Forces

Published: Tuesday, 05 December 2017 17:15

Honorable Mr. President of the Republic,
Dear Generals, Officers, NCOs and Soldiers,
Dear participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Albanian Government and in the capacity of the Minister of Defense, I am honored to convey the most sincere wishes to the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania, on the occasion of the 105th Anniversary of theirConstitution.

Along with the birthday of the Albanian state, starting from December 5, 1912, the Armed Forces have also been an integral part our country’s identity. Otherwise it could not happen. The history of our Armed Forces best shows the Albanian state’s journey with its ups and downs over the years. The history of the Albanian people is a survival story. Such is also the story of our army.

Since the time of Mehmet Pashë Dërralla until today, our Armed Forces have always been at the forefront of the efforts to normalize all the crises that our country has undergone, have engaged in the entire spectrum of difficult situations to be near citizens of this country.

Since the day of creation, the Albanian Armed Forces have experienced almost everything that was experienced by the world itself, and its small, medium, and large armies, including imperial attributes. The journey of our armed forces begins with the end of the Balkan wars, and continues with the World War I, World War II, as well as the Cold War along with all their consequences on the fate of a small country’s army, always operating within its own borders.

The Albanian Army was created at the time of independence, formed a distinctive character during the kingdom time, and was consolidated as an army of all the people in the heat of the national liberation war against the Nazi-fascist invaders. Following the war until nowadays, it has broadened its experience as an all-service army, with infantry, motorized, land, air, naval forces, commando troops, intelligence community, civil defense, guided by the highest standards of the time. This has not happened overnight, but is the contribution of many generations over the years. And the Albanian flag has never been part of any invading army, and any destabilizing force.

Today, the Albanian Armed Forces are strongly committed to their local, regional and global expansion in support of security and peace. Part of NATO structures, our forces give their contribution to the fight against terrorism and restoration of peace on all fronts of the globe, on land, air and sea, when this is required.

Dear sisters and brothers in uniform,

As we celebrate the remarkable legacy of your sacrifices in defense of the territorial integrity and security of the Fatherland, let me assure you that we are proud to stand alongside your omnipresent engagements in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan , Bosnia, the Mediterranean, or the Aegean because we are part of the strongest military alliance in the world, based on the best human principles: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

In times of war and peace, despite the zigzags of politics, you have shown courage, honor, and maximum commitment to duty. At present, our Armed Forces continue to be night and day assisting thousands of Albanian families who experience the floods of these days and their consequences, wherever this is required, in the countryside and in the city.

At the height of 105 years of existence, as long as we continue the beautiful tradition of celebration of anniversaries, we express our gratitude to those generations who have contributed with dedication and sublime sacrifices in the service of their country as members of the Armed Forces.

Happy 105th Anniversary of your constitution!

History will always follow you with glory!