Address of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov on the 71st anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War

“Dear citizens of Tatarstan!

Dear war veterans and homefront workers! I congratulate you on the most important event in the history of our multi-ethnic state – Victory Day over fascist invaders!

A peaceful spring has come for the 71st time reminding us about the unfading exploit of a Soviet soldier – liberator, who completed his mission and liberated Europe from fascism on May 9, 1945 in prostrated Berlin.

The Great Patriotic War was a severe ordeal for the spirit of our people. We went through the bitterness of defeat and the exultation of triumph. In any hard conditions our legendary military generation believed that our mission was right and that the enemy would be defeated.

Due to heroism and devotion of the nation of warriors and workers, the humanity gained liberty and got rid of slavery and fear for its future. About 700,000 people from Tatarstan went to war, and only half of them came back home.  

I can hardly find the words to express our gratitude to brave war veterans and homefront workers. Their names and exploits are forever imprinted in the hearts of descendants, names of streets and cities, school museums and military memorials, and are praised in literature and art pieces.

The All-Russia campaign “The immortal regiment” proves our sonly gratitude and unity of generations. Tatarstan citizens are actively involved in the campaign.

I wish our creators of the Great Victory, our dear veterans long life, peaceful skies, happiness and wellbeing!  Happy Victory Day!

Tatarstan President, Rustam Minnikhanov.”