June 6th, at the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine came around the regular graduation of border officers.

June 6th, at the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine came around the regular graduation of border officers.

This year, 260 officers, including 29 women, graduated from the first bachelor's level of higher education. Two graduates have been inducted into the Board of Honour, and 40 have received diplomas with honours. Also, 78 officers-masters of the Faculty of Management Training have been completed.

Due to quarantine measures, this year, the graduation took place without the presence of relatives and close graduates. A live broadcast of the ceremony was organized on the website of the National Academy and on Facebook.

The event was attended by the Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Major General Serhii Deineko.

The Chairman congratulated the border officers on their release, wished them successful service and stressed that the young officers would be sent to all parts of the state border of Ukraine, except for the areas of the Joint Forces Operation. He also reminded that he had walked this square 24 years ago.

“I believe all graduates will multiply the achievements of the defenders of the state border of Ukraine. This is a significant event in the life of every graduate and it is a sign of conscious choice and willingness to serve the Fatherland. It is you who will determine the pace and quality of the changes that our society expects. Become a leader and be a role model for the staff. Always be the FIRST to HONORABLY represent Ukraine on its borders,” Serhii Deineko said.

Among the guests of the holiday were also representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, local authorities, law enforcement and interacting bodies, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, veterans-border guards.

The People's Deputy of Ukraine, Pavlo Sushko, who 20 years ago graduated from the academy, retreated, saying that the time he spent in these walls hardened the graduates.

“From today, your glorious journey from lieutenants to the highest goal begins, because nothing is impossible in life. I am convinced that the future Head of the State Border Guard Service, future generals, people's deputies, ministers and real heroes are among you”, he said.

Another graduate of the academy, Serhii Rud, head of the State Security Department of Ukraine, also congratulated the officers and noted that the graduates have a great future ahead of them.

The farewell of the graduates with the Battle Flag of the Academy and the solemn march left an unforgettable impression in the hearts of the officers.

The audience laying flowers to the Stella of Remembrance and a moment of silence, honoured the bright memory of the fallen Heroes who gave their lives for freedom and independence of Ukraine.

It should be noted that today the National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine named after B. Khmelnytskyi is a leading military educational institution that trains professionals who at a high level perform responsible tasks for the protection of the state border of Ukraine.