Georgia Marks State Flag Day on January 14th
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, January 15, 2024
Georgia celebrated its State Flag Day on January 14. The State Council of Heraldry congratulated citizens on this day and issued a statement. As mentioned in the statement, this year's date is remarkable because it marks the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the historical flag.
"The state flag of Georgia is a symbol of state independence. The five red crosses depicted on the white field stood over Tbilisi and Tskhum (Sebastopolis) for centuries, marking the extreme east of European Christian civilization. It is significant that even today, with this flag, Georgia regains its place in the big European family.
This year's date is also remarkable because it marks the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the historical flag. The Council congratulates the public on Flag Day and calls on citizens to show proper respect to the flag when raising and displaying it," the statement reads.
During her speech at the event commemorating the Day of the State Flag of Georgia, President Salome Zourabichvili addressed the youth, emphasizing that the flag of Georgia belongs to them. She urged them to carry this flag to where the future of the country lies and not allow anyone to alter the values that exist under this flag or paint a different image of Georgia.
"This flag represents all of this, and it serves as our protector-guarding us and preserving the values that unite us. Without our unity, the flag loses its power and purpose. Therefore, we are obliged to achieve, despite everything, that great power in the country and in any state, which is called the unity of the people.
I want to tell the young people that this flag belongs to you; it is yours to protect. You must carry this flag to where the future of this country lies and not allow anyone to change the values that exist under this flag. Preserve those values and do not let anyone paint a different image of Georgia. You all understand what I'm talking about today, and I don't want to talk about it, but you understand well. You have protected the country, and thus you will protect this flag. This flag will be a permanent symbol of Georgia, and I wish it victory," Zourabichvili said.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, congratulated Georgian citizens and stated that the Georgian flag is the embodiment of the country's spirit and identity.
"I extend my congratulations to all the citizens of our country on the occasion of the main national symbol - the state flag. The state flag stands as the most visible embodiment of the Georgian spirit, national identity, and our freedom and independence," stated Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili.
Gharibashvili expressed his gratitude to everyone contributing to the strengthening of Georgia through their daily work.
"The flag preserves our great history and guides the unshakable will of Georgian citizens towards a singular goal - to protect and strengthen our freedom. It is a symbol of our unity; we share one homeland and one future. Many Georgians sacrificed their lives for this future. Today, as we pay respect to our flag, we once again bow to their eternal memory," said Gharibashvili.
