Senior state officials on May 9 took part in the ceremony held to mark the Day of Victory against fascism at the Memorial Complex “Eternity”, commemorating thus the heroes killed in World War II. Within the event, flowers were laid at the Eternal Fire, at the Unknown Heroes and Grieving Mother monuments, at the Stele of Moldovan Heroes and at the marble plaques with the names of heroes who died in war.
The guard of honor fired three shots at the event. Metronome ticks could also be heard there. Those attending observed a moment’s silence in memory of those killed in battle, IPN reports.
President Igor Dodon said the heroism of those who took part in World War II and the bravery of veterans who fought are honored on May 9. “May 9 is a holiday of courage and fearlessness in front of one of the biggest challenges in history. We now should keep peace and harmony on the territory of our state,” says the President’s message disseminated on the occasion of the Day of Victory against fascism.
Prime Minister Pavel Filip said May 9 is special also because the Day of Victory against fascism and Europe Day are celebrated concomitantly. A plan of action entitled “Memory, Honor, Respect” is being implemented to support the veterans. “The people, beyond feelings, have also concrete expectations. We approved a plan of action and managed to solve many problems faced by the veterans. We have the same respect for all the veterans as they fought on different sides of the barricades not because they wanted so, but because the conjuncture was so and they fulfilled their duties before the country,” stated the Premier.
For his part, Head of Parliament Andrian Candu said both those who fought against fascism and those who fought for the future, freedom and independence are commemorated on this day. The Day of Victory against fascism and Europe Day consolidate peace on the continent. “We want peace and want no mother to cry. For the purpose, we work, increase the people’s welfare and make effort to reunify the country,” noted the Speaker.
The Party of Communists and the National Veterans Council for the eighth consecutive year staged the concert of military and patriotic much at the Fighters for Soviet Power monument near the Gaudeamus Cinema. After the concert, those attending laid flowers at graves of heroes who died in World War II at the Memorial Complex “Eternity”. The event involved the leader of the Party of Communists Vladimir Voronin and party members and sympathizers. “We must pass information on to all the generations so that they do not forget about this victory and about the people who sacrificed their lives for this victory,” stated Vladimir Voronin.
The Democratic Party organized a series of events to celebrate the Day of Victory against fascism and Europe Day in the square of the Metropolitan Cathedral “God’s Birth”. The program included exhibitions of photographs, serving of soldier’s porridge, brass band music, training demonstrations with rescue dogs, asphalt drawing, folk music and traditions, the round dance of friendship and peace and surprises from master Eugen Doga. The opening of the events involved the Democratic leader Vlad Plahotniuc. “We start by honoring those whose sacrifice enabled to build a free, powerful and democratic Europe today. We should continue by celebrating, always together, both Europe Day and the Day of Victory against fascism as a symbol of friendship and peace between nations,” he stated.
A concert with the involvement of Irina Rimes, “Blue”, Delia and Thomas Anders of “Modern Talking” started in the central square of Chisinau at 7pm. A performance by Russian singer Nikolai Baskov and a splendid fireworks show were the surprises of the evening.
The Party of Socialists mounted a Victory March entitled “Undying Regiment” from the Triumphal Arch up to the Memorial Complex “Eternity”. The event involved President Igor Dodon and his family and the Socialist candidate for mayor of Chisinau Ion Ceban. The marchers – veterans and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sympathizers of the party – carried Saint George ribbons and portraits of soldiers who took part in the war. “We are the successors of the Great Victory. We are the followers of the heroes-winners. Nobody will ever take away this holiday from us,” stated President Dodon.
According to statistics, there are now 871 veterans and participants in World War II living in Moldova.
