Today President Nursultan Nazarbayev took part in the wreath laying ceremony to the Fatherland Defenders’ Monument and observed a one-minute silence in honor of the Kazakhstani soldiers who gave their lives in the Great Patriotic War.
The war veterans, representatives of the state authorities, the diplomatic corps, the Nur Otan People Democratic Party and the city community attended the ceremony. Moreover, thousands of city residents also took part in the ceremony to pay tribute to the perished soldiers on this remarkable day.
Following the official part of the solemn ceremony, the brass band of the Republican Guard of Kazakhstan performed the Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Then the company of the Guard of Honour of the Republican Guard marched in the parade before the President of Kazakhstan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and the veterans of the Great Patriotic War.
The President also talked to the veterans at the tent town and congratulated them on the Victory Day. The head of state emphasized that the time will only increase the importance of the Great Victory.
“Nearly 1,800 million of Kazakhstani people fought in this ruthless war, half of them did not return from war. Thus, several generations of Kazakhstanis will always remember this victory. There are less and less veterans among us and we must treat them with much respect and honour. They have shown heroism, unity, and today is the Day of Truth for many generations. For those whose grandfathers and grandmothers, mothers and fathers fought at the front and worked in the home front to bring this victory,” the President highlighted.
Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that the Day of Victory symbolizes that the unity of people, peace, and stability are the most important achievements of the country.
“We must protect our citizens for them not to die in the fire of war. Today, unfortunately, we hear hot spots news as from the front lines. Peace, friendship and consent reign in our country during all the years of independence. We have to protect these values as the experience of the last war speaks for that. We should properly understand the value of peace. If our grandfathers hadn’t won, we would not have an independent state. We should cherish our freedom; young people should always care of veterans. And the Government provides and will continue to provide them an overall support,” the President stressed.
The head of state wished the veterans wellbeing for each family, as well as good health, expressing the hope to jointly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory.
There are 291 veterans nowadays registered in Astana, including 215 war participants and 76 disabled war veterans.
