Rustam Minnikhanov: Victory Day holds a special place in our memory and our hearts

On May 4, at the Jalil Tatar Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counselor of the republic Mintimer Shaimiev, Prime Minister of the republic Aleksey Pesoshin, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society Nikolay Ovsyenko, veterans and military personnel took part in a solemn event dedicated to the 78th anniversary of the victory in WWII.

In the hall of the theater, Rustam Minnikhanov got acquainted with an exhibition of archival documents devoted to the history of evacuation of civilians and industrial enterprises to the territory of Tatarstan. In total, over 270 thousand people and more than 70 enterprises were evacuated to the republic during WWII.

“Victory Day holds a special place in our memory and our hearts. We hold sacred our selfless heroism of the soldiers-liberators. This is a true example of patriotism and inexhaustible fortitude. The feat of arms and labor of the people in the name of the Great Victory has become a symbol of the national unity of the generation that honorably endured severe military trials, the blockade of Leningrad, the horrors of imprisonment in fascist concentration camps and the restoration of hundreds of destroyed villages and cities,” Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized.

Minnikhanov underlined that during the war years the republic became one of the important rear bases of the country and made a significant contribution to the Great Victory over fascism. A landmark event that perpetuated the labor feat of the Tatarstan people was today’s unveiling of the stele “Kazan –the Labour Valour City”. “This is a symbol of our infinite gratitude to all those who selflessly worked in the rear under the most difficult conditions”, Rais of Tatarstan said.

He also said that in order to perpetuate the labor feat, the title "Labor Valor Enterprise" was established in the republic. As many as 20 Tatarstan industries were awarded this high title. Today, the teams of enterprises perform the tasks of the Special Military Operation, ensuring the security of the country with full dedication.

Then, Rustam Minnikhanov handed in state awards of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan.