Moldova Celebrates 35 Years
On August 27 Moldova celebrated 35 years of independence. The country observed the holiday with the largest independence celebration in the nation’s history under the tagline “Independence Unites Us.”
President Sandu addressed a message to citizens where she recognized the efforts of those who created an independent country and called on citizens to do their duty to help the nation develop. She stated:
"Independence is not about being the same, independence does not require us to be identical, but to be free together. Our direction is common - towards the European Union. Because there identity is respected, not controlled,"
The President also highlighted the importance of protecting democracy, saying “Our nation never wants to live in a prison country again.”
The day was marked by a series of events including a solemn gathering at the hall in the presidency where the declaration of independence was signed. This was attended by living signatories, members of parliament and the government, and international guests.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Chisinau for the celebration and held a joint press conference with President Sandu, who gave a speech saying:
“The fact that today, on Independence Day, you are both here, in Chisinau, has a special significance for us.
35 years ago, this week in August, the map of our region was changing. Romania was only 20 months after the revolution. On August 24, Ukraine proclaimed its independence. Three days later, Moldovans, young and old, gathered in the Great National Assembly Square and demanded the independence of the Republic of Moldova, and the Parliament voted for it on the same day.
We were three poor countries, on the edge of Europe, with ruined economies and an uncertain future. And today, three European states, we sit at the same table. Respected in Europe and in the world. (…)
Independence means having light and warmth in your home, no matter what is decided in Moscow. Selling your products where you and your work are respected. Choosing your own friends and path. Being treated as a partner, having a say. And deciding, by voting, who runs the country.
Independence means being able to choose. Friends, allies, the path.
You are given only one thing from the beginning: your neighbors. And the Republic of Moldova was lucky.”
Independence Day Military Parade
Over 2000 military personnel marched in central Chisinau alongside veterans and around 100 military vehicles. On social media President Sandu wrote that “A peaceful Moldova needs a Moldova capable of defending its peace” and stated that the army has modernized, broken from Soviet standards and that the country “can be proud of those who make sure we are safe.” In addition to Moldovan troops, honor guards from Ukraine, Germany, Lithuania, Italy, Poland, France, the Czech Republic and the United States joined the parade with the President writing that “their presence reminded us that we are stronger when we are not alone.”
In the evening, Presidents Sandu, Dan and Zelenskyy addressed the crowd at the Great National Assembly Square and spoke of Moldova and Ukraine’s future in Europe. President Zelenskyy addressed the crowd in Romanian, Ukrainian and English. He stated:
“Moldova has been through a lot in these 35 years and you have shown that Moldova is a strong nation, and without a doubt: a wonderful country. You are a wonderful people, a European nation. And I am sure that, united, we will all be part of Europe, a free and peaceful Europe – which matters most to our people, and we value human life in the same way. We want to live with dignity, in our own countries. We want to remain European countries.”
You can watch the full speech here:
Reflecting on 35 Years of Independence
35 years ago Moldova was one of many nations to declare independence and break away from the Soviet Union. Now, as Vladimir Putin seeks to rebuild the Russian Empire as a new “Prison of Nations,” the stakes of independence are starkly clear.
On August 27 five Russian drones violated Moldovan airspace in an action that can only be understood as a threat against that very independence. The country’s independence from Russia stood in clear contrast to what Moldova’s citizens have chosen to use their independence for - a choice for Europe, for democracy, for their native language and alphabet, for Peace.
On August 24 Ukraine celebrated its 35th anniversary of independence. On that day, Moldova’s parliament was lit up with the Ukrainian flag and President Sandu traveled to Kyiv to mark the occasion. There, she was decorated by President Zelenskyy with the Order of Princess Olga (1st degree), one of the nation’s highest state awards. She accepted this “on behalf of the people of the Republic of Moldova. In the first days of the war, families in our country opened their doors and hearts to women and children fleeing the bombs. This is their merit.”
In turn, President Sandu awarded President Zelenskyy with the Order of the Republic, Moldova’s highest state decoration. She did so to mark “his enormous contribution to protecting peace and freedom on the European continent,” noting that Ukraine fights so that Moldova can sleep peacefully.
Today Moldova and Ukraine are closer than at any time in history. The nations’ security and European futures are deeply interconnected, as are their pasts. As Russia seeks to erase both the common history and the countries’ future aspirations, it is a good time to sit and reflect on just how precious independence is.