On Saturday of February 1, Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Denis Pushilin attended a solemn event dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the 1st Guards Special Forces Battalion’s formation. Deputy Chief of the DPR People’s Militia Eduard Basurin, guests of honor and relatives of the military also visited the event, the press service of the Head’s Administration reports.

The solemn event began with trooping the Colors. Then the Head of the Republic addressed those present.

“I congratulate you on the fifth anniversary of the battalion! It has been a long time. You have traveled a very significant path, and, of course, we must give credit to you. You did not hesitate to make your choice. Risking your lives, your health, you defend our homeland.

The residents of the Donetsk People’s Republic stand behind you, they are grateful to you. Younger generations look up to you. What is certain is that you are worthy of your heroic ancestors, our grandfathers and great grandfathers, who defended our land 75 years ago.

I wish you fortitude, good luck. Always come back unhurt and alive from your combat tasks. Congratulations!” Denis Pushilin said.

For the courage and heroism proved during the special tasks, the best of the best were awarded state decorations of the Donetsk People’s Republic: Decorations For Merit to the Republic and St. George’s Cross Decorations of the 3rd and 4th classes.

Then those present observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of the fallen soldiers of the battalion.