Greetings of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Day of the National Guard of Ukraine

I sincerely congratulate all patriots ‑ soldiers and officers, who serve in our glorious National Guard of Ukraine!

It was the historical coincidence, that two years ago I was the author of the law on creation of the National Guard of Ukraine and signed it twice: as the Head of Verkhovna Rada and as the acting President of Ukraine. It were very difficult and dangerous times when the enemy threatened the very existence of our country, when the power vertical, security system and defense of our country were almost completely destroyed.

And exactly then the National Guard was established, to which many patriots of Ukraine immediately volunteered, most of them ‑ right from the Maidan. Guardsmen were the first, who took the blow of the enemy in the East of our country, making it possible to restore the combat potential of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Many of guardsmen, who stopped and threw back the enemy, did not return, having given their lives for our country, our free European choice and our independence. Eternal glory to the heroes, who died defending their Homeland!

Today, unfortunately, the threat from the aggressor does not become smaller. In order to defend the country, we will continue to enhance the defense capabilities, ensuring the needs of the National Guard and the Armed Forces in military equipment and modern weapons.

National Guard defends Ukraine not only at the front, but also protects lives and peace of citizens in all regions of our country, counteracts the internal enemy, terrorists and saboteurs, as it was on August 31, 2015 near the Parliament of Ukraine.

We are proud of you ‑ the real knights and heroes of Ukraine. I wish you good health, courage and bravery, peace and tranquility at our Ukrainian land!

May the God watch over you and your families!

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heros!