Address of Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of 81st Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War

On 9 May in his address on the occasion of 81st Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WW II), the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated residents of the republic, combat soldiers and home front workers with the Victory Day and said: “This holiday personifies courage, unity and unbending will of our multiethnic people and occupies a special place in life of each of us, evoking the most tender feelings.

The Victory Day reminds us about the most difficult trials that fell to the lot of our ancestors, the history of heroic overcoming and the triumph of fortitude. We are deeply grateful to the generations of victors, who resolutely and selflessly defended the freedom and independence of the Motherland.

The Great Patriotic War left deep traces in every family. As many as 700 thousand people went to front from Tatarstan and for many of them the war became the last trial. We are proud of the contribution of the republic into the common Victory. All these years the country was living with only one aim – to bring the Victory closer.

Our task is to firmly stand guard over the historical truth about the war and pass the memory of heroic feats of veterans from generation to generation. The Year of Military and Labour valor is a good opportunity to once again express endless respect to those who forged the Victory at the front and in the rear and to surround the living witnesses and participants of those events with attention and care.

Today new generations of defenders of the Motherland have undertaken the responsibility for the destiny of Russia, its security and sovereignty. Like their ancestors, the participants of the special military operation honestly fulfill their military duty showing high professionalism and an example of real patriotism. The whole republic supports our military and their families having united for the sake of achieving common goals.

The Year of Unity of Peoples of Russia which was proclaimed by the President of the country Vladimir Putin underlines the importance of integration of the multi-ethnic Russian society in our difficult time. Unity and civil harmony are the key to the new Victory.”

In conclusion Rustam Minnikhanov wrote: “Dear veterans! May your hearts be always warmed by the care and affection of your near ones and life be filled with joy and spiritual comfort,” and wished all residents of the republic good health, happiness and prosperity.