Algerian Radio
The President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of National Defense, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, presided over a prestigious ceremony on Tuesday at the National Army Club in Beni Messous (Algiers).
According to a statement by the Ministry of National Defense, the event marked the 5th anniversary of the National Day of the People's National Army (ANP), celebrated annually on August 4. The ceremony was dedicated to honoring ANP retirees originating from the ranks of the National Liberation Army (ALN), families of martyrs of national duty, and severely wounded and disabled veterans of the anti-terrorism struggle.
Upon his arrival, President Tebboune was received by General of the Army Saïd Chengriha, Chief of Staff of the ANP and Deputy Minister of National Defense, where a military detachment presented honorary salutes.
The high-level ceremony was attended by the President of the Council of the Nation (Senate), the President of the National People's Assembly, the President of the Constitutional Court, the Prime Minister, and several presidential advisors and government members. The military brass was heavily represented, including the Commander of the Land Forces, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Defense, force commanders, the commanders of the National Gendarmerie and the Republican Guard, the Commander of the First Military Region, alongside senior state officials, national figures, Mujahideen, and heads of national media outlets.
General Chengriha: "Ambassadors of Sacrifice"
Delivering a speech on this occasion, General of the Army Saïd Chengriha welcomed the President of the Republic, expressing profound gratitude for his presence to oversee the honors.
"Standing by these stalwarts who sacrificed for the homeland during its darkest periods is not merely a moral obligation, but a debt upon all our shoulders," the General affirmed.
He elaborated: "Our duty today, as we celebrate this constellation of heroes, is to put an end to the scourge of forgetfulness. We fully realize that standing by these heroes is a sincere expression of recognition for their decisive role in preserving the pillars of the national state, combating the remnants of terrorism, and thwarting all despicable plots that targeted the security and stability of our country and the unity of our people."
Describing the honorees as "ambassadors of sacrifice who offered their bodies as an offering on the altars of dignity," General Chengriha emphasized that "a state that celebrates its loyal sons and wears their sacrifices as a badge of pride on the nation's chest is an impenetrable state—one that no enemy can breach and no traitor can harm."
He paid a poignant tribute to those who lost limbs or their sight defending the nation, and to the souls who fell in battle. "These immense sacrifices cannot be measured by any standard, nor can words truly do them justice, for they are the dowry of security and sovereignty, and the pledge of eternal glory."
Steadfastness in Principles
The Chief of Staff also praised the veterans for their unwavering principles. "Our praise for you today is not limited solely to your sacrifices on the battlefield, but extends to your steadfastness in the realm of principles," he stated. "You have proven, despite pain and suffering, that you are true to the covenant, categorically refusing to let your wounds be used as a vehicle for skeptics or exploited in malicious plots aimed at tarnishing the image of the State and demoralizing our people and our armed forces."
Speaking on behalf of the President, General Chengriha extended his warmest congratulations to the Mujahideen of the ALN, all active and retired ANP personnel, and specifically the soldiers stationed at the borders. He lauded their "continuous sacrifices and high readiness to deal effectively and firmly with various threats."
Presidential Honors and Medals
Following the speech, President Tebboune presented certificates of honor and recognition to the ANP retirees, families of the martyrs of national duty, and the wounded anti-terrorism veterans.
Furthermore, the President awarded the "Anti-Terrorism and Organized Crime Medal" to families of fallen heroes and several military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in combating terrorism and various forms of transnational crime.
The ceremony concluded with a commemorative group photo. The Ministry noted that on the same occasion, commanders of the various Military Regions oversaw similar ceremonies across the country, presenting certificates of recognition awarded by the President to local veterans and martyrs' families.
