Congratulations to Georgians on the celebration of their Independence Day have poured in from many directions. Usually the moment for a large party with Georgia’s best wines and culinary delicacies, this year’s celebration was, of necessity, more subdued, which only makes the sentiment behind all the good wishes more poignant. “The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and we support the Georgian people’s clear choice to embrace Euro-Atlantic integration,” wrote Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo. “In times of crisis like these, we are reminded of the true depth and value of the friendship between the American and Georgian peoples.”
Georgia’s strong security relationship with the United States drew special thanks and plaudits from top Pentagon officials. “Our nation is honored to count Georgia as a friend and partner,” said David L. Norquist, Deputy Defense Secretary, and his remarks were echoed by his colleagues. Congressman Adam Kinzinger, Chairman of the Georgia Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, added his congratulations and good wishes.
Five pathbreaking women who signed the first Georgian constitution, the Act of Independence from the Russian Empire on May 26, 1918, were remembered as brave and unyielding, even in the face of death. Several of them or their families were ultimately executed by firing squads for anti-Soviet activity.
Georgia’s Ambassador to the United States, David Bakradze, captured the sentiments of Georgians everywhere in his remarks celebrating Georgia regaining its independence 29 years ago:
Living through our current crisis of a foreign virus and the economic devastation it is causing does not detract from the enthusiasm all Georgians feel for May 26th, our national Independence Day. Indeed, by most accounts quite the opposite is the case. Georgians have come together as the close-knit nation we are to confront COVID-19 with a united front. And, as a nation, we are beginning to see the success of our efforts. Being free to address this challenge with our own brain power and physical means, and to reach out unrestrained for help from others beyond Georgia for the ideas, experience, and resources they might offer, reinforces our sense of national purpose and our sense of national pride. This is what we fought for, and there is no going back.
On May 26th, 1918, Georgia first adopted its Act of Independence, as the forces of the Russian Revolution swirled around us. The Democratic Republic of Georgia lasted until early 1921 when Russian troops invaded. By 1922, Russia had incorporated Georgia into the new USSR, and this is where we remained until 1991, when Georgians rose as one to reassert our independence and demand our freedom. We owe much to the support we received from freedom loving friends, especially in the United States.
May 26th, Independence Day, reminds us that Georgians don’t forget their friends. We are a small nation of about three-and-a-half million people. We cannot move our geography, which puts us in a very challenging region and shapes our geopolitics. But this also throws Georgians’ active democracy, vibrant market economy, accountable governance, and social freedoms in sharp contrast to much around us. We are reminded constantly of our nation’s special qualities, and we charge our young people, now scattered throughout the West and East in universities and businesses and families, to never forget their roots in Georgia’s soil of freedom.
Freedom and independence are often won after hard battles, unforeseen challenges, setbacks, and small steps. And, yes, through hope. Like Americans on July 4th, Georgians are reminded every May 26th that our independence is not a done deal, that it must be tended and nurtured and cherished. We are a work in progress, which is the very essence of independence. Some of the heavy lifting is over, yet much more lies ahead. But as the heroes who rose from Georgia’s community to fight this nasty virus to its knees have shown, we are up to the task. Indeed, we welcome it.
Happy Independence Day, Georgians! And thank you, America, for contributing so much to our grateful nation.
David Bakradze