Uzbekistan, Tashkent, May 9 / Trend D. Azizov /
Today, Uzbek President Islam Karimov laid a wreath to the monument of the Sorrowful Mother on the Memorial Square in the center of Tashkent. This day the whole world is celebrating the 65-th anniversary of Victory over fascism.
"First of all, I congratulate all participants of the war, who live next to us now, respectable fathers and mothers, all our compatriots with the sacred holiday - the Day of Memory and Honour", Islam Karimov said, addressing veterans, members of the government, MPs of both chambers of the parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the military and the general public.
We have declared May 9 - Victory Day as the Day of Memory and Honour for 12 years, the President said. Now we can say that this date received this symbolic name in our country. It has become a national holiday, a tradition. The notions of memory and honor meet our secular national values, inherited from our ancestors.
"We bow our heads before the memory of people who did not return from the battlefields, those who died in fierce battles, all those who participated in the terrible warfare. They became famous due to courage. We remember again how this savage war crippled the lives of millions and turned many women and children into widows and orphans", Islam Karimov said.
Speaking about the contribution made by Uzbek people, together with peoples of the former Soviet Union in the victory, Uzbek President Islam Karimov cited the following figures. On the eve of the war, there were approximately 6.5 million people in Uzbekistan, of whom 1.5 million, or 40 percent of working-age population of the republic were called to the Army. They were involved in hostilities. About 500,000 Uzbeks died on the battlefield.
"We all understand that our people have suffered so many losses for the liberation of the motherland from fascism, fascist enslavement. The holiday we celebrate today is a historic date, which has left an indelible mark on the life of every family in our country. I consider it my sacred duty to be with our people, respected veterans this day. I congratulate them and all the people with this historic date. I wish all our fellow citizens of the world health, happiness and success", Islam Karimov said.