On May 7, at M.Dzhalil Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Acting Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, members of Tatarstan Government, employees of regional ministries took part in a solemn event on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Victory in WWII.
Rustam Minnikhanov welcomed veterans of WWII and congratulated them on the Victory Day: “On the 9th of May 1945 our troops gained the victory over fascist regime and put an end to that murderous war. That date became the day of glory for our fathers and grandfathers, the symbol of national pride, boundless appreciation, deep grief and imperishable memory.” We remember the feat of sons and daughters of Tatarstan, Minnikhanov said, those who paid the ultimate price for liberation of our land.
Participants of the event held a minute’s silence to honour those who lost their lives in WWII.
Rustam Minnikhanov continued that courage, strength, and commitment revealed by veterans will never be forgotten.
We try to take care of every veteran in the republic today, by implementing housing and major repair programmes, providing medical and social services and health resort treatment, holding cultural and commemorative events, Rustam Minnikhanov noted.
“Dear veterans! I express my deepest appreciation for the Great Victory, for the feat of arms and labour for the sake of Motherland and future generations. I wish you and your relatives health, long life, happiness and wellbeing. Happy Victory Day!”
Later on the same day, Rustam Minnikhanov handed over the Order of Glory of the 3d class to Vasily Gorbunov, Order of the Red Banner and Order of the Red Star to daughters of Mikhail Kulikov and Agzam Nasyrov, who never came back home from the war.
A medal of the Republic of Tatarstan “For valorous labour” was handed over to President of Russian Academic of military studies, participant of WWII General of the Army Makhmut Gareev.