PM Kobakhidze pays tribute to Georgian cadets on memorial day

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has paid tribute to the country’s young military cadets, describing their actions as a “remarkable example of heroism” and a model for all Georgians.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Kobakhidze said the cadets’ dedication and sacrifice exemplify true patriotism.

“We will honour the memory of the cadets. These young people have left us an outstanding example of heroism, and every Georgian should be guided by it. This is a true example of devotion, selflessness, and sacrifice for the homeland. It is our duty to pay respect to the cadets,” he said.

Every year on February 23, Georgia marks Cadets’ Memorial Day, commemorating the bravery of students from the Georgian Junker (Cadet) Military School during the 1921 Red Army invasion of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.

On February 11, 1921, the Red Army launched an attack, and more than 500 cadets were deployed to defend the approaches to Tbilisi. They held a 7-kilometer defensive line at Kojori-Tabakhmela, resisting repeated assaults despite being heavily outnumbered.

Under the command of General Giorgi Kvinitadze, the Georgian armed forces defended Tbilisi for a week. During fierce fighting, cadets such as 22-year-old Shalva Eristavi heroically shielded comrades from machine-gun fire.

The cadets suffered significant casualties. Among the fallen was Maro Makashvili, daughter of the poet Kote Makashvili, who served as a nurse and was killed during an artillery bombardment. She is buried alongside the cadets in the former military cathedral in Tbilisi.