Today, the President of Georgia presented the Order of the National Hero of Georgia, which was awarded to Aleksandre Oniani on August 11, 2021, to his family. Oniani was a participant in the 2008 Shindisi battle.
Junior Sergeant Aleksandre Oniani of the Georgian Armed Forces was awarded the Order of the National Hero of Georgia and given the title of National Hero for his exceptional bravery, outstanding heroism, and self-sacrifice in the fight for the protection and unity of the Motherland.
Today, the President of Georgia visited the national hero's native village, laid a wreath on his grave, and attended a memorial service for Aleksandre Oniani at St. George's Church.
“The father described very accurately what it means today for a family, and most importantly, for the country, to have a national hero.
It's destiny, but it's also a choice. You can't become a national hero unless you choose to take a step that not everyone can take. If everyone in the country could do that, we would probably be in heaven—ordinary people can't do that. This is the destiny of the chosen ones. Your child was chosen.
It is always very important for a country to have such personalities. People often ask how, in the hands of empires, this small country has survived to this day. It has done so precisely because of heroes like these, individuals who fought to the end, who did not know how to give up, and for whom it was worth laying down their lives for each person. And it happened. Such people create true, ultimate victory.
I am very glad that there are children here today because we need such examples for them. You will grow up and never forget this day—you will know that nothing in life is more important or precious than the appreciation of your country. That is what is truly valuable—not money, success, or power!
This award is not just my personal acknowledgment but the entire country's appreciation for your son, the son of Georgia. Thank you very much for that," said the President of Georgia.
Representatives of the Georgian Defense Forces, along with the Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces, Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, also attended the award ceremony.
