Penza, 1 September 2014. PenzaNews. 245 Penza artillery engineering institute cadets took the oath of allegiance on the parade ground on Monday, September 1.

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The boys were enrolled a month ago.

Altogether, the representatives of 13 regions of Russia — Penza, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Kemerovo, Chelyabinsk, Kirov, Kurgan, Samara, Tyumen, Saratov regions, Mordovia, Chuvashia and Bashkortostan regions — received their epaulettes.

This year’s Knowledge Day became special for the freshmen, who took the oath of allegiance to their country and the military duties.

Sergei Bulygin, deputy head of the Main missile and artillery directorate of the Ministry of Defense, congratulated the cadets with this turning point in their lives and wished them self-perfection, well-being and success in their studies and labor.

“You are facing a path full of fascinating discoveries and interesting people. During the academic course, you will reach the new level of professional knowledge. In the classroom and on the range, you will master the basics of your craft to become highly qualified in the future. Each of you standing in line can be proud to be in this illustrious institution. Strive for new achievements, bearing in mind the great responsibility of your duty,” he said.

Afterwards, Gennady Khvatov, deputy chief of Penza artillery engineering institute, mentioned that the institution has everything for productive learning.

“Much has been done to improve the training facilities, especially in the field. We have repaired and overhauled the school buildings, classrooms, and barracks. I wish you all to achieve success in your service. I believe that the challenges faced by the institute staff in the new academic year will be fully implemented,” he stressed.

After the ceremony, the rector of Alexander Nevsky military church, reverend father Dorofey, blessed the recruits for the learning and sprinkled them with holy water.

Then newly initiated defenders of the Fatherland, as well as their relatives and friends, attended a concert with dances, songs and acrobatic acts.