SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA AT THE STATE FLAG DAY MILITARY PARADE
In dedication to the State Flag Day, which falls on July 10th, a military parade has been held on the Sukhbaatar Square.
Present at the annual military parade were, President of Mongolia and Commander-in-Chief of the Mongolian Armed Forces Khaltmaagiin Battulga, Speaker of the State Great Khural Miyeegombyn Enkhbold, Prime Minister Ukhnaagiiin Khurelsukh, members of the Cabinet and the State Great Khural, authorities of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, heads of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Mongolia, other officials and citizens.
President Battulga said in his speech:
“Fellow Mongolians,
Soldiers, officers, and Generals of the Armed Forces,
Respected guests,
Happy State Flag Day!
The three great symbols of the statehood have been the State Flag, the State Emblem and the National Anthem since ancient times. Mongolians have an age-old history of statehood. Our ancestors, the legendary nomads who established the first states in Asia, have long revered and upheld their state flag and the banner.
Harmonizing this tradition with modern trends and culture, Mongolia began to officially mark the State Flag Day in 2009. The State Flag unifies Mongolians when they herald glorious victory on international, continental and Olympic arenas, represent Mongolia in their missions around the world, pride in their nation, and relish their history. This flag brings us together when we unite and integrate, and motivate each other with aspiration for forward progress.
Just before this year’s State Flag Day, a Law on Provincial Protection was adopted. This law creates the conditions for full implementation of a provision in the Constitution about citizens’ duty to defend their nation. The legal framework for securing the coherence of the full rights and responsibilities of citizens, legal entities and government organizations in provincial protection, and ensuring the complexity of the defense system has been created. The soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces and the citizens of Mongolia make their own contribution to the protection of the independence and sovereignty of this country. This nation and its independence are precious to the hearts of every Mongoliaan, and are solidified by their courage. Uniting these values, the State Flag with its golden Soyombo symbol represents our respect and the independence of Mongolia. This flag shall magnificently wave in the blue sky for generations.
Let me wish all fellow Mongolians and friends and tourists visiting Mongolia a Happy State Flag Day again.
May Mongolia prosper under the Eternal Sky.
Hurray, friends!”
The military parade engaged about 2,000 military personnel, 200 of whom were women.
