Embassy hosted a commemoration ceremony to honor the victims of the August 2008 Russian military invasion of #Georgia, attended by diaspora and friends of Georgia. In remembrance of the fallen soldiers and civilians in the war of 2008, father Pavle Zakaraia led a prayer.
Ambassador David Bakradze addressed the guests and shared the current struggles and challenges of Georgia as the country still deals with the Russian occupation.
Special guest – Assistant Secretary Marie Royce addressed the audience and reinforced America’s strong and unwavering support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignity. Assistant Secretary Royce ended her speech by quoting Vice President Pence: “We stand with you”.
USAID Assistant Administrator Brock Bierman discussed Georgia-US partnership, acknowledged a progress that Georgia has made in democratic development, highlighting the well-organized OGP Summit in Georgia this summer and expressed support to Georgia’s territorial integrity.
Ambassador of the United States to Georgia at the time of Russian aggression, John Tefft revoked his memory of the August war. Ambassador cherished Georgia’s progress and once again condemned Russia’s infringement of Georgia’s sovereignty.
Among the guests were high officials of the US government including the Head of Russia and Eurasia Division at the National Security Council Fiona Hill, Special Representative of the United States to Ukraine Kurt Walker Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, Ambassador John Herbst and other officials from US foreign service and military.
The ceremony also featured photo and video exhibitions depicting the events of August 2008.
#10YearsSince2008War #NoToOccupation
