Officials, public pay tribute to victims of April 9 tragedy
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Georgian high officials are today remembering the people who died in the hands of Russian troops as they supported the independence of Georgia.
On this day 26 years ago at least twenty people were tragically killed as Soviet troops attacked peaceful protesters in Tbilisi.
From dawn this morning, family of the fallen, community members and officials gathered outside the Parliament Building on Rustaveli Ave in central Tbilisi at the April 9 memorial. Some lit candles while others presented flowers in remembrance of those who died during the demonstration.
People are paying tribute to the victims of April 9 tragedy. Photo by President's office.
Today, Georgia marks the 26th anniversary of the April 9 tragedy and the 24th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union.
The date has been etched into the minds of locals and is remembered as the day of National Unity. It is recognized as a public holiday in Georgia.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili pays tribute to the victims of April 9 tragedy.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili paid tribute the victims of the April 9, 1989 tragedy. In an official letter, Garibashvili said today was a victory for the Georgian nation.
26 years have passed since the April 9 tragedy of 1989. This day has become a tragedy, indeed, but at the same time, today it is a symbolic day of the struggle for freedom and independence. These people really have shown us a miraculous self-sacrifice, heroism and an example of how to live, how to sacrifice ourselves for our country. So, this is a victory for our nation. I bow once again before the memory and families of the fallen," Garibashvili said.
Furthermore, the President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili paid tribute to the memory of the 9 April victims.
President Giorgi Magvelashvili laid a wreath at the memorial of April 9 tragedy victims.
The President laid a wreath at the memorial on Rustaveli Ave with his wife, advisers and representatives of the presidential administration.
The blood of innocent patriots shed here in 1989 was reflected two years later in the Independence Act. Obviously, we all pay tribute to the people who were protecting our future state. We thank them for their deeds that led to our independence,” Margvelashvili said.
US Ambassador in Georgia Richard Norland paid tribute to the victims of the April 9, 1989 tragedy. He also laid a wreath at the memorial.
US joins all Georgians, which honors the memory of the peaceful demonstrators, who sacrificed their lives for independence of Georgia in 1989. It is important to remember that their sacrifices were not in vain incurred - they were sacrificed to the idea of an independent Georgia, today, we see that Georgia is an independent, strong and prosperous country, Norland said.
Other members of the Georgian Government paid tribute to those who lost their lives 26 years ago.
Click here to read the full story on April 9 tragedy.
Georgia is today remembering the youth who tried to stop Russian tanks with their bare hands and other people who were killed by Russian troops as they supported the independence of Georgia 27 years ago.
Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili has allocated finances from his Reserve Fund to help the families of those who died or were injured in the tragic events of April 9, 1989.
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