President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the multi-ethnic people of Uzbekistan on the blessed holiday of Memory and Honor Day and the 80th anniversary of the great Victory in World War II.
“In these exciting yet painful moments, we honor the memory of our heroic ancestors who made a worthy contribution to freeing humanity from the scourge of fascism and pay tribute to their bright memory.
Today, we express our special congratulations and gratitude to the esteemed veterans of war and labor who actively participate in the establishment of the New Uzbekistan with their golden prayers and advice.
Undoubtedly, on this radiant holiday, which honors the guardians of peaceful and prosperous life, it is both a debt and a duty for all of us to pay respect to the memory of our brave soldiers who heroically perished in the struggle to protect the freedom of our homeland and the tranquility of our people during the years of independence,” the congratulatory speech states.
It is noted that nearly 2 million of the 6 million 800 thousand people who participated in the bloody battles against fascism were involved. Of these, nearly 540 thousand perished, 158 thousand went missing, more than 50 thousand died due to unprecedented torture and suffering in concentration camps, and over 60 thousand returned disabled.
Among the soldiers and officers from Uzbekistan, nearly 214 thousand were awarded combat orders and medals, 301 were honored with the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and more than 70 received the “Glory” order of all three degrees.
During the war years, the country became a strong supply base for the front, and a large amount of military equipment, weapons, medicines, clothing, food, and other essential products were delivered from our republic to the battlefields, marking another unforgettable page of that turbulent period.
More than 170 factories and plants were relocated to Uzbekistan from the areas left in the fire of war, and 280 new enterprises were established in a short time.
The people embraced nearly 1 million 500 thousand individuals brought from war zones under extremely difficult and complex conditions, including 250 thousand orphans who lost their parents, showing them love and compassion.
It is emphasized that in recent years, much work has been done to deeply study and promote the lives and activities of heroic ancestors, their courage and bravery, and to educate the younger generation in the spirit of their glorious traditions. In this regard, the Victory Park established in Tashkent city and the “Patriot” parks in the regions play an important role. These blessed places have quickly become sacred pilgrimage sites for all our compatriots and foreign guests. Another historical monument erected in honor of the defenders of the motherland in the territory of the Victory Park, the Memorial Complex of the Nation's Devotees, undoubtedly holds great significance.
“I am confident that the names of hundreds of fallen brave military personnel and law enforcement officers will be inscribed in golden letters on this magnificent artistic structure, which will remain another revered place for our people to strive for and take pride in,” the congratulatory speech states.
It is noted that today the noble idea of “For the dignity of man, for the happiness of man” is increasingly penetrating life. This year, participants of World War II and the disabled received one-time cash awards of 10 thousand US dollars, 25 million soums for individuals equated to this category, and 3 million soums for labor front participants, along with the “80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II” jubilee medals, which is another practical expression of attention and care for our esteemed veterans.
Medical and social services, including patronage services, are being provided for war veterans and the disabled. They are being treated in sanatoriums according to their wishes. Relevant ministries, departments, and organizations, along with military unit leaders, are checking on the families of war and labor veterans, as well as military personnel and law enforcement officers who perished while fulfilling their duty during the years of independence, providing them with necessary assistance and support.
“Certainly, we are always indebted to such devoted individuals who fought for our peaceful, free, and liberated life without sparing their precious lives. They will continue to feel the kindness and attention of our state and society. Dear and esteemed compatriots! In this complex and turbulent time, the perseverance and courage demonstrated by our heroic ancestors during the years of World War II serve as a school of example, a source of strength and inspiration for us in raising our youth to be well-rounded individuals and in safeguarding the peace and stability in our land, as well as interethnic and interfaith harmony and tranquility. On this unforgettable holiday, I sincerely congratulate you, dear esteemed veterans, and all our people once again, wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity in your homes,” the congratulatory speech states.
