Tiraspol, 17 March. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Pridnestrovians honour the memory of the warriors of the People's Militia, established 24 years ago, on 17 March 1992. The president's decree, issued on that day, determines the status of the People's Militia as a temporary paramilitary force designed to protect the independence of the young Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Any Pridnestrovian at the age of 16−60 could voluntarily join the militia.
The first were 10,000 volunteers. The youngest of them was seventeen. The defence of the state was declared a national cause.
On behalf of the president, the chairman of the government, Pavel Prokudin, congratulated militiamen on the anniversary of the biggest military unit defending Pridnestrovie against the military aggression by Moldova.
«The People's Militia played a decisive role in the fate of our republic. In 1992, it was you, the sons of the Fatherland, who rose in defence of the PMR. Militiamen set an example for all of us as a model of serving people and the country and a symbol of unity and brotherhood. I am sure that today militiamen are ready any time to rise in defence of the state," says the president's congratulatory address.
Pavel Prokudin recalled that whenever the people rose in the defence of the Fatherland, any aggression was doomed to failure.
«Today we are facing new challenges. I am calling on Pridnestrovian citizens, as in bygone days, to unite, stand shoulder to shoulder," said the prime minister.
The chairman of the Supreme Council, Vadim Krasnoselsky, the role of the militia is difficult to overestimate.
«Wars are not won by armies, but by the people. When the people defend its state, they guarantee its stability and independence. This day I want to remember those who stood at the origins of the People's Militiamen. These are the first president of Pridnestrovie, Igor Smirnov, and the late General Shtefan Kitsak," said Vadim Krasnoselsky.
Defending Pridnestrovie against Moldovan nationalists in the early 1990s, 237 militiamen were killed and 310 were wounded. Thousands of defenders, including militiamen, were awarded government decorations, and 45 of them were awarded the order For Personal Courage. The People's Militia was awarded the country's highest order — the Order of Republic.
The rally concluded with the ceremony of flower laying.
