August 14 is one of the most tragic dates in the modern history of Abkhazia. On this day in 1992, the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia began. A war that has brought great suffering to our people and brought them to the brink of annihilation, creating a real threat of loss of freedom, Homeland and future.

For 413 days, the people of Abkhazia fought for their land. In the most difficult days of trials, thousands of our compatriots stood up for the defense of the Fatherland. Together with them, volunteers from the North Caucasus, from other regions of Russia, and representatives of the Abkhaz diaspora from abroad fought shoulder to shoulder. Their courage and willingness to help in the most difficult hour for our country will forever remain in the history of Abkhazia.

In this crucial hour for the country, the people were led by the great son of Abkhazia, Vladislav Grigorievich Ardzinba. By taking responsibility for the fate of the Motherland, he managed to unite the people, instill faith in them and lead them to Victory.

The victory came at a huge cost. Thousands of sons and daughters of Abkhazia gave their lives for their homeland. We must never forget their feat. Their memory is our moral responsibility to the past and future generations.

We must especially cherish what has been won at such a high price — freedom, peace and the opportunity to build the future of our country. Today, when the world is going through a difficult and troubled time, we need unity more than ever. It was the unity of the people that became one of the main forces that made it possible to survive during the war. We must remember this lesson of history, cherish mutual respect and the ability to unite in the face of any challenges, putting the interests of the Motherland above personal differences.

On this sad day, we bow our heads to the memory of all those who gave their lives for Abkhazia. We bow before the courage of the defenders of the Fatherland.

Eternal memory and eternal glory to the Heroes — defenders of the Motherland! May their feat remain forever in the memory of the people of Abkhazia, and the peaceful life in independent Abkhazia, which they defended at the cost of their lives, will be our common duty and our common responsibility."