Mikheil Saakashvili attended the graduation of the first class at the Military Lyceum of Cadets today. The President personally gave the secondary education diplomas to several of the cadets as well as relevant military certificates, and badges. The Head of State addressed the them and noted that there is no greater honor than serving your country. Mikheil Saakashvili thanked the lecturers, officers, and instructors of the lyceum for their hard work. The President spoke about the reforms implemented in the defense sphere in recent years, and noted that the best cadres are employed in this direction.

“We are very proud of your school and the class of 2012. I hope you are also proud of the fact that you are graduates of this school. You have received the best education and I am glad that 75 out of 78 graduates have decided to continue their education at the military academy. There is no greater honor than serving your country in a uniform. There is no greater honor than fighting for your country and being able to sacrifice yourself for it. Georgia would be a failed state today without self-sacrificing heroes. Ancient nations have gone extinct, nations with a history as great as that of Georgia, because they were unable to defend themselves and find their places on the world map. Georgia is facing big challenges. A part of our territory is still occupied, but based on our experience, every conqueror is temporary and Georgia is eternal. The eternal Georgia needs to be defended and this is the business of every generation: - stated Mikheil Saakashvili.

The Military Lyceum of Cadets has 78 graduates and 300 students are pursuing studies at the academy. The cadets have gone through physical training and studies in military affairs, topography, and information technologies through additional programs. They also had military field lessons in tactical, fire, engineering, communication, and medical directions. The lyceum was rehabilitated 2 years ago and it is fully financed by the State. The school admits students after the ninth grade every year. Anyone that passes the general abilities test can study at the lyceum. During their studies cadets are provided with meals, a living place (barracks), medical care, and all of the necessary inventory and equipment.