TBILISI, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Georgia celebrated Victory Day on Wednesday, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. (WWII)
Hundreds of veterans from across the country gathered at Vake Park in downtown Tbilisi to commemorate the end of WWII and lay wreaths at the memorial of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who served in Georgia's Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili lauded the soldiers' spirit of sacrifice and heroism. "We know the names of some of the heroes, but some of them stayed unknown. Today we are honoring everyone who sacrificed their lives for the country," he said, stressing that peace and stability should be valued by every one.
Up to 700,000 Georgians served in WWII and nearly 400,000 died, according to data from the State Service of Veterans Affairs. To honor their contribution, 224,000 were given different awards while 164 were recognized as heros.
Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze said lawmakers are ready to discuss initiatives to improve veterans' living conditions.