Thirty-five 35 years of Independence: over 2,000 servicemen, security personnel march at Parade in centre of Chisinau

The Republic of Moldova is marking today the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of its Independence. On this occasion, a military parade was held in the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN), where over 2,000 servicemen and representatives of institutions from the national security and defense system, 150 veterans, troops from partner states and more than 100 units of military and special equipment marched.

The event was attended by President of the Republic of Moldova, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Maia Sandu, President of Romania Nicusor Dan, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatii, Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Director of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) Alexandru Musteata, government members, MPs of Moldova, representatives of the diplomatic corps, official guests and over 7,000 citizens.

The parade was opened by the 150 veterans of the war for the independence and territorial integrity of Moldova. The marching component of the parade was led by Brigadier General Ion Ojog, Deputy Commander of the National Army, responsible for operations and training.

In the center of the capital, formations from the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Staff, the Military Academy of the Armed Forces “Alexandru cel Bun”, the Military College “Alexandru cel Bun”, the 2nd Motorized Infantry Brigade “Stefan cel Mare”, the General Staff Regiment “Brigadier General Nicolae Petrica”, the Special Forces Battalion “Fulger” of the National Army, and the 22nd Peacekeeping Battalion “Blue Helmets” marched.

Also participating were formations from the “Stefan cel Mare” Police Academy of the Interior Ministry, the “Fulger” Special Police Brigade, the General Police Inspectorate, the General Inspectorate of Carabinieri, the General Inspectorate of Border Police, the “ALFA” Special Detachment of the Intelligence and Security Service, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, the National Administration of Penitentiaries and the “Pantera” Special Detachment.

Alongside Moldovan troops, the Honor Guard and color guard groups from Romania, Ukraine, Lithuania, Germany, Italy, Poland, France, the Czech Republic, and the United States of America took part – their presence reflecting the cooperation of Moldova with partner states.

The parade also featured a column of more than 100 units of military and special equipment belonging to the National Army and the Interior Ministry. On display were self-propelled artillery systems, anti-aircraft installations, systems for monitoring and protecting the airspace, reconnaissance and surveillance drones, armored and special-purpose vehicles, military ambulances and intervention and logistics equipment.

Events dedicated to Independence Day were also held in other regions of the country. Servicemen of the National Army from the Balti, Cahul, and Causeni garrisons took part, together with local public authorities, veterans and representatives of law enforcement structures, in the festive activities organized on the occasion of Independence Day.

The Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence on 27 August 1991, by adopting the Declaration of Independence.