PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 107TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESTORATION OF NATIONAL FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE
On the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the Restoration of National Freedom and Independence, a wrestling tournament for the President’s Cup took place in the Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex today. Highest ranking 128 wrestlers competed in the tournament which was held under the auspices of the President of Mongolia.
President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga delivered a speech during the opening ceremony. The President said:
“Dear citizens of Mongolia and the Mongolians around the world!
Let me extend cordial greetings on the 107th anniversary of the Restoration of National Freedom and Independence.
On December 29th, 1911, Mongolians ended the Qing Dynasty regime and proclaimed their independence to the world, exalting the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba as the Monarch of Mongolia. It is a day of grand celebration.
Because the statehood and independence of Mongolia, which was passed down from Modu Chanyu and was enriched by the Mighty Chinggis Khaan, was reawakened from a 200-year rule on this day, it is the most significant occasion worthy of a nationwide celebration.
107 years ago, the day of the grand state ceremony was an auspicious Friday and a Day of the Water Rooster, ninth day of the middle month of winter of the Year of the White Pig in the 15th sexagenary cycle, described and chosen as “an opportune day” by the astrologers. At the moment when the grand state ceremony for the proclamation of independence began, which was the Hour of the Horse, Mongolians in every corner of the country, including Khovd, Uliastai, Altanbulag, and Yuruu, knelt down to pray in the direction of the Ikh Khuree. Foreigners who witnessed this event recollected their memories in which “they had never seen Mongolians so overjoyed.”
Yes, Mongolians love their freedom and independence from the core of their hearts. I have faith in the preservation of this attitude.
Despite of how we set out to restore our independence, the road was long and turbulent until we fully regained independence and national freedom. The fight to expel Chinese troops who entered Mongolia in late 1919 led to the People’s Revolution of 1921.
Our southern neighbor, the People’s Republic of China, formally recognized Mongolia as a sovereign state on January 6th, 1946, and the northern neighbor, the Soviet Union, on February 28th, 1946. Furthermore, Mongolia joined the United Nations in 1961 as its 102nd member, which was a milestone event marking the international community’s recognition of Mongolia’s independence.
These were de jure or legally recognized events. The Cold War conflicts and the division of the world under two systems created all the conditions for the Mongolian People’s Republic to be under Soviet influence for over 70 years.
With the end of the Cold War and the collapse of socialist regime around the world in 1990, Mongolia declared a civil society that upholds free market, democracy, human rights, and freedom. This paved the way for a full glory of the freedom struggles of generations of patriots.
The significance behind the celebration of this historic day lies in cherishing and acknowledging the value of independence which was earned with great sacrifices of the generations of patriots who, amid unbearable political and international circumstances, fought continuously and devotedly.
Fellow Mongolians,
The deeds and efforts of the generations of patriots and statesmen who brought us freedom and independence with the deep faith that we would “treasure it” must be respected and admired. We should remember that the participation and efforts of every Mongolian can strengthen and preserve our national independence.
Let us bow down to the patriots who dedicated their lives and minds for the sake of the independence of Mongolia.
May Mongolia dwell for infinity under the Eternal Sky.”
