Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
On May 9, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended solemn events in Moscow dedicated to the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. This ceremony was not only a tribute to a historical date but also an expression of respect for the memory of the peoples who made immense sacrifices in the fight against fascism during the war years.
The traditional Victory Parade took place on Red Square in Moscow. Along with the Uzbek leader, the event was attended by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, and other heads of foreign delegations.
After the parade, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, together with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other heads of state, laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden in Moscow. This ceremony was accepted as a symbol of deep respect for the memory of millions who died in the war.
The event continued with a minute of silence, an honor guard, and a solemn march by the military orchestra. Such ceremonies serve every year to preserve historical memory, not to forget the tragedy of war, and to once again realize the value of peace.
At the conclusion of the official events, a meeting was held between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin. Following this, the President of Uzbekistan departed for Tashkent. The head of state was seen off by Russian officials at Vnukovo International Airport.
The people of Uzbekistan also made an incomparable contribution to the victory in the Second World War. On the eve of the war, the republic's population was over 6 million. During the difficult years of trial, nearly 2 million Uzbeks were mobilized to the front. Hundreds of thousands of them fought bravely on the battlefields.
During the years of the bloody war, more than 538,000 of our compatriots died, and over 158,000 went missing. These numbers are not just statistics; behind each one is a family, a destiny, a life, and courage that left an indelible mark on the memory of the people.
For their courage, fortitude, and military skill, more than 214,000 soldiers and officers from Uzbekistan were awarded combat orders and medals. 301 of our compatriots were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and another 70 became full cavaliers of the Order of Glory.
The victory was contributed to not only by battles at the front but also by selfless labor behind the front lines. During the war years, Uzbekistan became a reliable support for the front. The republic played a crucial role in supplying food, clothing, medicine, weapons, and other necessary products.
Within a short period, more than 170 evacuated enterprises were relocated to the territory of Uzbekistan. These enterprises served the continuous operation of the defense industry. People worked day and night, endured hardships, and gave all their strength for the common victory.
During the war years, our people also showed a bright example of humanity and tolerance. More than 1.5 million people evacuated from areas near the front found shelter in Uzbekistan. Among them were more than 250,000 orphaned children.
In difficult times, the people of Uzbekistan shared their homes, bread, and kindness with others. This compassion, tolerance, and readiness to extend a helping hand to those in need once again demonstrated the spiritual power of our people.
Therefore, May 9 is not just a historical date. It is a day of memory, gratitude, and realization of the value of peace. The memory of those who gave their lives in the war, fought bravely at the front, and worked tirelessly behind the lines will always live in the hearts of our people. Peace did not fall from the sky; its price was very high — this must not be forgotten.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
