Rustam Minnikhanov: Patriotic and spiritual-moral upbringing of children and the youth is the priority task of the state

On 22 February, speaking at a special event dedicated to the celebration of the Defender of the Fatherland Day held in Kazan, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that patriotic and spiritual-moral upbringing of children and the youth is the priority task of the state.

Minnikhanov said that the Defender of the Fatherland Day is the holiday of courage, bravery, chivalry and devotion to Motherland and its people. “This day we can feel more clearly the link of times and succession of generations. Heroic deeds of our fathers and grandfathers, unprecedented self-sacrifice of our people during the World War II will remain in our hearts forever as a moral guide and an example of carrying out a military duty and the example of the utmost manifestation of real patriotism,” he said.

Giving examples of heroism and courage, Minnikhanov underlined persistence and bravery of our military in Afghanistan, counter-terrorist operations in the North Caucuses and Syria as well as the Chernobyl disaster management.

Tatarstan President also expressed his gratitude to all those who are on their military duty right now ensuring safety of citizens of Russia.

After having congratulated all war veterans and the military of the Army and Navy with the Defender of the Fatherland Day, Minnikhanov handed in award papers to Raziya Dorofeeva, whose father was awarded the medal "For Valor" and Nikolay Filimonov, whose grandfather was awarded the Red Star Order in 1944.

He also handed in a number of Russian and Tatarstan state awards.