Skopje, 16 August 2022 (MIA) - A total of 281 officers, non-commissioned officers and civilians were presented Tuesday with a gold badge for their 30-year active service in the Army ahead of Army Day on August 18 and its 30th anniversary. Handing out the gold badges, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska expressed gratitude to 145 officers, 69 non-commissioned officers and 67 civilians for their commitment to the Army. One of the recipients was the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski for his active service since the Army's formation. "You built the Army, you were the professionals who created history we will always remember. Your hard work and energy have produced major achievements, including our historic membership into the Alliance," Petrovska said at the ceremony. The Minister urged them to share their experience with their younger colleagues "who are handed over the task to keep building our common home.