08.05.2025

80 years have passed since the end of the World War II. Despite the decades passed since that time, the history, suffering and challenges that it has brought are not forgotten. On the contrary, the horrors of war remind us of the value of peace and tranquility. The Day of Remembrance and Honors celebrated on May 9 brings this deep meaning with it. 

On that day, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Victory Park and took part in the commemorative ceremony. 

On the whole territory of the park heartfelt melodies were played. Each monument, symbol and writing in this place reflects the tragic truth of the war and underlines the major contribution of our people to the Victory. The place is especially crowded on memorable days, like today.

Following the tradition of recent years, the Head of State laid a wreath at the monument “Ode to Fortitude”. This majestic monument symbolizes the suffering, deprivation, courage and losses that our people endured during the war.

According to archival data, almost 2 million people out of the total population of 6.8 million took part in the bloody battles against fascism. Of them, about 540 thousand died, 158 thousand were missing in action, more than 50 thousand people died from unbearable tortures in concentration camps, more than 60 thousand returned from the front with disabilities.

The valor of Uzbek soldiers and officers is evidenced by the fact that 214 thousand of them were awarded battle orders and medals.

During the war years, our country became a reliable rear base of the front: equipment, weapons, clothing and food were sent to the front line in huge volumes. Despite the harshest conditions, the Uzbek people welcomed with an open heart about 1.5 million evacuees from the war zones, including 250 thousand orphans.

— All of this is a record of true courage and heroism. We have the right to be proud of our courageous people who contributed to such hard and fine Victory. This heroism cannot be forgotten, these facts must be brought to the youth. This is especially important in the current turbulent times. Each one of us shall be ready to protect the Motherland every day, - underlined Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 19, the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World War II and the Day of Remembrance and Commemoration are widely celebrated in the country. Those who gave their lives for the peaceful life of future generations are remembered with respect. Special attention is paid to the living labor veterans and elderly people, care and honor are shown.

Representatives of the Armed Forces, state and public organizations, mahalla activists and respected elders took part in the ceremony. The participants laid flowers at the monument.

The Head of State also inspected the “Light of Memory” composition installed in the park. It is dedicated to the heroism of Uzbeks who fought at the front and worked in the rear. The monument is made in the form of two soaring birds symbolizing the continuity of generations.

The composition unites historical heritage and modern art. Using the QR code placed at the monument, visitors can learn about the complex and war heroes and download the book “Light of Memory”.