It has been 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Despite so much time passing, its history, grief, and tribulations are not forgotten. On the contrary, the dreadful consequences of the war remind us of the value of peace and tranquility. May 9th – the day of remembrance and respect, embodies just such significance. The President's press service reported this.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Victory Park on this occasion and participated in the memorial ceremony.
A melancholic melody spreads throughout the park. Each monument, symbol, and inscription here represents the harsh realities of the dreadful war and emphasizes our people's substantial contribution to victory. The park is especially crowded on holidays like today.
In line with the tradition formed in recent years, the head of our state laid a wreath at the base of the "Anthem of Courage" monument. This majestic memorial expresses the sufferings, resilience, and losses our people endured during the war.
According to documents, nearly 2 million of our population of 6.8 million at the time participated in the bloody battles against fascism. Around 540 thousand of them died, 158 thousand went missing, more than 50 thousand perished in concentration camps due to unspeakable torture and agony, and over 60 thousand returned as disabled veterans.
That nearly 214 thousand Uzbek soldiers and officers were awarded combat orders and medals testifies to their bravery.
During the war years, our country became a strong logistical base for the front, supplying vast amounts of military equipment, weapons, clothing, and food to the battlefields. Despite very difficult circumstances, our people took in nearly 1.5 million people relocated from war zones, including 250 thousand orphaned children, showing them great kindness.
– These are true stories of valor and heroism. We cannot be too proud of our courageous people who made such significant and glorious contributions to this victory. We must never forget these acts of heroism, and it is essential that we pass them down to our youth. Especially in today's perilous times, the importance of being ready for the defense of the homeland every day is immense, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In accordance with the decision made by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on February 19th, the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War and the Day of Memory and Honor is being duly commemorated. The memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the peace of our generations and the stability of our country is being honored with great respect. At this time, tribute is also being paid to the veterans of labor and the elderly.
Representatives of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, state and public organizations, community activists, and the elderly participated in the event, laying flowers at the foot of the memorial.
The head of our state also inspected the "Light of Memory" composition installed in the park. It has been established in memory of the Uzbek heroes who fought in the Second World War and worked on the home front. The monument is in the shape of two birds in flight, symbolizing the legacy between the older and younger generations.
The work embodies historical heritage and contemporary art. It is equipped with a QR link, allowing visitors to read about the complex and the war heroes, and to download the "Light of Memory" book.
