"Thirty-six years after April 9, despite the challenges of the modern world, the core values of the Georgian nation—our independence, unity, and the pursuit of a politically and economically strong Georgia—remain as steadfast as ever. Just as our society stood together on April 9, 1989, we must summon that same spirit of solidarity today," said Levan Davitashvili, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development.

Davitashvili emphasized that the sacrifices made on April 9 "have become legendary, symbols of courage, and are forever engraved in Georgia’s history."

"April 9 holds a deep, personal significance for each of us, and for all citizens of Georgia. It commemorates the day when love for our homeland and the yearning for independence united an entire nation across generations in defiance of the Soviet regime. Today, we honor those who gave their lives on this day. Their sacrifice was for our homeland, for a freer, better future for the generations to come. The greatest legacy of their bravery is that it was not in vain; it ignited the flame of our struggle for independence, culminating in the restoration of Georgia’s freedom on April 9, 1991, two years later. We once again express our profound gratitude to them for their heroism and sacrifice, which laid the foundation for the Georgia we cherish today as a free nation," concluded Levan Davitashvili.