Azerbaijani Army marks Armed Forces Day with nationwide events

A series of events marking Azerbaijan's Armed Forces Day, celebrated annually on June 26, were held across all branches of the Azerbaijani Army, operational commands, military units, the Separate Combined Arms Army, military educational institutions, and Azerbaijan's military attaché offices accredited abroad.

According to Report, the events began with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who gave their lives for the country, followed by the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Participants were briefed on the history of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the development of the national army. It was noted that the foundations of Azerbaijan's national military were laid during the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic republic in the Muslim East, and that this legacy has been carried forward in independent Azerbaijan. The Separate Azerbaijani Corps, established on June 26, 1918, became the legal foundation of the country's armed forces. By a decree signed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev on May 22, 1998, June 26 was officially designated as Armed Forces Day.

Under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army has developed into a highly capable military force. According to the statement, this strength enabled the army to liberate Azerbaijani territories during the Patriotic War, securing victory for the country.

In line with the program, military units organized socio-political training sessions, roundtable discussions, conferences, museum visits, book, photo and art exhibitions, as well as screenings of documentary and feature films. Service members also visited the graves of martyrs and met with their families.

The celebrations featured concerts by the Army Ideological and Cultural Center named after Hazi Aslanov, the Ideological and Cultural Center of the Ganja Garrison, and local artists and cultural groups.

During the events, a number of distinguished servicemen were presented with awards in recognition of their service.

Azerbaijani Army marks Armed Forces Day with nationwide events