Tbilisi, Georgia, May 9
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
On the occasion of the end of WWII in Europe, known as Victory Day over Fascism, festive events are being held in Georgia on May 9, an official holiday.
Vakev Park in Tbilisi becomes the center of celebration where veterans gather and where government officials, representatives of political parties, and public figures come to congratulate them. Traditionally, wreaths and flowers will be placed on the grave of the Unknown Soldier.
Out of Georgia's population of 3.6 million people, the war claimed the lives of some 750,000.
Georgia lost more of its countrymen in percentage ratio per capita than the other former Soviet republics.
Tens of thousands of the Georgia people were awarded government honors, some 167 of them became Heroes of the Soviet Union.
By decision of the Georgian government, the World War II veterans in the country receive 400 GEL ($ 1 = 1.76 GEL) lump sum assistance on the eve of Victory Day and people who lost the head of the family receive 200 GEL.
Currently, about 2,000 World War II veterans reside throughout Georgia.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by C.N.