President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended his congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on Remembrance and Honor Day. The full text of his address was released by the presidential press service.
“Dear compatriots!”
From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you, our multinational people, on this sacred holiday – Remembrance and Honor Day, and the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in the Second World War. I express my deepest respect and warmest wishes.
In these joyous yet somber moments, we remember our fathers and grandfathers who made a worthy contribution to liberating humanity from fascism; we bow before their bright memory,” the congratulatory message reads.
The President expressed special gratitude and congratulations to esteemed war and labor veterans, who actively contribute to building a New Uzbekistan with their wise counsel.
“Undoubtedly, on this bright holiday celebrating the protectors of our peaceful and tranquil life, we consider it our duty and honor to pay tribute to the brave servicemen who heroically perished during the years of independence in the name of the freedom and well-being of the Motherland and the people.
Dear friends!
The severe suffering, countless misfortunes, and losses inflicted on the peoples of the world, including our people, by the most destructive war in human history – the Second World War – will never be forgotten.
This is a chronicle of true courage and heroism, the greatness of which transcends time.
We are rightfully proud of our steadfast people, who made a worthy contribution to the glorious victory,” the president added.
The head of state noted that in recent years, thanks to the research of our scientists and experts, previously unknown pages of the history of the Second World War are being revealed.
According to documentary evidence, out of 6.8 million people living in the republic at that time, almost 2 million participated in the bloody battles against fascism. About 540,000 of them perished at the front, 158,000 went missing, over 50,000 were tortured in concentration camps, and more than 60,000 returned home as invalids.
Approximately 214,000 soldiers and officers from Uzbekistan were awarded combat orders and medals; 301 were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and over 70 received Orders of Glory of all three degrees. All this is undoubtedly a testament to the courage and bravery displayed by our compatriots on the war fronts.
Another unforgettable page of that turbulent time: Uzbekistan during the war became a reliable rear, supplying the front from the republic with a large amount of military equipment, weapons, medicines, clothing, food, and other necessary products.
More than 170 factories and plants were relocated from the frontline regions, and 280 new enterprises were built in a short time.
Our people, who themselves experienced all the hardships of wartime, sheltered, with sincere love and care, about 1.5 million people evacuated to Uzbekistan from war-torn territories, including 250,000 children who had lost their parents.
“Remembering these facts today, which have forever entered the annals of history, we are rightfully amazed by the true humanism and high human qualities of our magnanimous and tolerant people, who in any situation remained true to their noble convictions.
Dear compatriots!
In recent years, we have been carrying out extensive work to thoroughly study and familiarize the public with the lives and activities of our heroic ancestors, examples of their courage and fortitude, and to educate the younger generation in the spirit of these glorious traditions.
An important role in this is played by Victory Park created in Tashkent, and “Vatanparvar” gardens in the regions. In a short time, they have become places of pilgrimage for our citizens and foreign guests.
The “Millat Fidoyilari” (“Devoted to the Nation”) complex, built in honor of the defenders of the Motherland on the territory of Victory Park, is also of paramount importance as a continuation of our work in this direction.
I am confident that this memorial, where the names of hundreds of fallen brave servicemen and law enforcement officers are inscribed in gold letters, will become another sacred place that our compatriots will visit with pride in their hearts.
Dear friends!
Today, the noble principle “For the sake of man, for the sake of his happiness” is increasingly penetrating our lives,” the president emphasized.
It was noted that this year’s one-time cash payment of $10,000 to each participant and invalid of the Second World War, 25 million soums to those equated to this category, 3 million soums to participants of the home front, and the jubilee medal “80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Second World War” is another practical manifestation of such care and attention to esteemed veterans.
Veterans and war invalids receive medical and social services, including home care. At their request, they undergo treatment in sanatoriums.
“On these joyous days, our people visit representatives of the older generation, esteemed war and labor veterans, and receive their blessings.
With the participation of the heads of relevant ministries, departments and organizations, military units, visits are organized to war and labor veterans, family members of servicemen and law enforcement officers who died during the years of independence while performing their duties, and they are provided with the necessary assistance and support.
Undoubtedly, we are constantly indebted to these wonderful people who, without sparing their lives, fought for today’s peace and freedom. They will continue to be surrounded by the love and care of our state and society.
Dear compatriots!
In these very complex and unsettling times, in raising young people as harmoniously developed individuals, maintaining peace and stability in the country, and interethnic and interfaith tolerance and harmony, the courage and fortitude shown by our fathers and grandfathers – heroes – during the Second World War will serve as an example, a source of strength and inspiration for us.
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you, esteemed veterans, and all our people on this holiday, and wish you health, well-being, and prosperity to your families.
May peace and tranquility always reign in our country, and may our people be happy!” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.