The fifth anniversary from the ARM establishment and the Day of ARM was an occasion for having the central ceremony held on August 18, 1997 at the largest barracks of "Ilinden" in Skopje. This ceremony was opened by the Defence Minister, Dr. Lazar Kitanoski and speech was delivered by the President of the Republic and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Kiro Gligorov in front of many guests from the diplomatic corps and many political and public figures as well as in front of several thousand citizens.

In relation with the ARM transformation according to the Alliance standards, this ceremony was also an occasion to promote the first brigadier generals as well as the lieutenants for the ARM services. The most attractive part of the ceremony was the parade of the military echelons of all the ARM branches and services. Also, as an additional step to bring our army closer to the NATO standards, the new parade drill was introduced. The ceremony ended by signing the military commitment by the July conscript contingent.