Georgia is the first non-NATO member country to receive the “Ally of Freedom Award”
Georgia received the “Ally of Freedom Award” at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation’s annual festival marking the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation, in consultation with the U.S. Congress, presented the “Ally of Freedom Award” to Georgia in appreciation for its support for and cooperation in the United States’ fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The Celebrate Freedom Foundation is pleased to recognize Georgia as the 2016 Ally of Freedom. This award is presented to honor Georgia for its extraordinary and courageous contributions to the defense of liberty and democracy,” engraved on the memorial board.
Congressman from South Carolina Joe Wilson and Celebrate Freedom Foundation chairman Jack Lovelady presented prize to the Ambassador of Georgia Archil Gegeshidze. Thus, Georgia has become the first non-NATO member country having received this prestigious Award.
The award ceremony became a major part of Buffalo Soldiers 150 anniversary celebration in Columbia, South Carolina. It opened with the Georgian anthem in honor of Georgia receiving 2016 Freedom Ally Award. Georgian Defense Attaché Vepkhia Chalabashvili received an honorary Commander’s rank and an accompanying sword from the Celebrate Freedom Foundation.