President Emomali Rahmon has congratulated war veterans, servicemen and all the Tajik people on the 74th anniversary of Victory over Nazism.
Addressing a solemn event that took place in Dushanbe’s Victory Park on the occasion of Victory Day, President Rahmon noted on May 9 that Victory Day is an unforgettable date for all peoples, including the Tajiks.
Tajik leader, in particular, noted, “Victory Day is dear and remembered not only to veterans of war and labor, elderly people but also to the young generation because it is evidence of the highest patriotism and lesson of courage in the name of defending the Motherland!”
After that, the president, members of the government, parliamentarians and representatives of diplomatic corps laid wreaths at the Military Glory Memorial.
The solemn part of the event was concluded with a military parade.
2,000 servicemen were on the military parade. Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General, Sherali Mirzo, commanded the parade.
The Republican Council of Veterans of War and Labor of Tajikistan says only 244 Tajik veterans of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 are estimated to be still alive. Over the past year, their number has decreased by 100 people.
More than 270,000 residents of Tajikistan reportedly took part in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and more than 100,000 of them died in battle.
55 of residents of Tajikistan were given the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Besides, 15 other Tajikistan’s residents were Full Holders of the Order of Glory.
Victory Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, specifically the capitulation of Nazi forces to the Allies (the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France, the United States and other principal Allied nations) on May 8, 1945.
In Russia and other countries of former Soviet Union, the day of Victory over Nazi Germany is celebrated on May 9, because when the German Instrument of Surrender actually entered into force (May 8, 1945 at 23:01 CET), it was already May 9 by Moscow time. Post-Soviet countries have continued the tradition.
