On November 23, South Ossetia celebrates the Day of Courage and National Unity, which was officially established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia dated November 23, 2010 in memory of the events of 1989, when several dozens of unarmed young residents of the republic blocked with a human shield the entrance to Tskhinval to a crowd of thousands of Georgian nationalists who tried to enter the city under the guise of “peaceful demonstration”. Soon, the entire population of the city, from young to old, gathered behind them.
This is how the confrontation began, which went down in the history of South Ossetia as the beginning of the struggle of the South Ossetian people for freedom and independence, for national development and their rights.
The Day of Courage and National Unity is not only a historical date. The events which happened thirty-six years ago, when South Ossetia withstood thanks to the courage and heroism of its people, united the South Ossetian people, became the key to further victories in the long-term confrontation with the aggressor, an important symbol for society, a reminder of unity and cohesion in difficult times.
On the way to establishing its statehood, South Ossetia has gone through many trials, but with its selflessness, courage and ability to unite in the face of a common threat, forgetting about strife and disputes, the South Ossetian people have shown the whole world that the enemy cannot break their will to freedom and independence. On this day, we pay tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes who defended their Motherland, and honor its living defenders.
On the Day of Courage and National Unity a ceremony of laying flowers and wreaths at the memorial complex “Defenders of South Ossetia” took place in Tskhinvali. According to tradition, a rally dedicated to this remarkable date was held at the entrance to Tskhinvali on the Pris Hill.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Ossetia A. M. Dzhioev and employees of the Ministry participated in the event.
23 November, 2025