Moldova’s Acting President Marian Lupu handed over awards to 32 soldiers on the occasion of the National Army Day marked on September 3, Info-Prim Neo reports. “2011 is a significant year for Moldova. We celebrate 20 years of independence and 20 years of the foundation of the National Army. Now the National Army is being modernized. The soldiers have new uniforms and march using the European pace. A new generation of officers is brought up, in accordance with the national values and the spirit of devotion to the mother country,” said Marian Lupu. He also said that the National Army has always helped deal with natural disasters and represents a real school of heroism. “As a supreme commander of the armed forces, I will continue to support the efforts aimed at modernizing the army,” said the Acting President. The soldiers received the Loyalty to the Homeland Order, the Labor Glory Order, the Military Merit Medal, the Civic Merit Medal and the medal “Nicolae Testimitanu”. Marian Lupu also conferred the honorific titles of Master of Arts and Artist Emeritus on musicians of the presidential orchestra who contributed to developing the performing arts. Lieutenant-Colonel Vitalie Ciobanu said it was an honor for him to receive the Military Merit Medal from the supreme commander, stressing it was the merit of all his colleagues. Olga Scripovscaia, the first woman who was given the Military Merit Medal, said she went through all the stages of a military woman and dreamt of this distinction. “The soldier who does not dream of becoming general is not a good soldier. One should learn and work hard in order to succeed,” she said. The Ministry of Defense will give a reception and a concert at the National Palace to celebrate 20 years of the foundation of the National Army. It also produced a jubilee album.