March of Commemoration culminates with wreath-laying ceremony at Grieving Mother Monument

The March of Commemoration held today to remember those who died in the Nistru war ended with a ceremony of laying wreaths to the Grieving Mother Monument at the Eternity Memorial. War veterans, representatives of central and local authorities, politicians as well as ordinary people attended the event, Info-Prim Neo reports. “It was an unjust war imposed by hostile forces from abroad, a war which we didn't want and which we weren't ready for, in any way at all. We fought that war on unequal terms and I believe this day becomes more important with the years, because time makes us increasingly aware of those painful truths”, said Mircea Snegur, Moldova's first president. He added that everyone of us should, first of all, feel sad on this day, but also grateful for the deeds of those heroes. “Those whom we remember today gave their lives for the independence and integrity of the Republic of Moldova, so that we can live in a democracy. Those brave heroes defended the moral values of our nation so that they are treasured not only nowadays but also by the generations to come”, Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Valentin Mejinschi said in his speech. “We've come to lay flowers in memory of those who died in battle and make a pledge never to forget them”, said Vladimir, a veteran. “It's barely enough what's being done for those who fought for this land, because there are orphans, war invalids who are struggling to make ends meet. The government does nothing to afford financial aid to those who suffered in this war”, he added. Another combatant, Petru, says that the veterans see themselves forced to sue the government in order to obtain their due pensions. “We are still fighting in court for a bonus to the pension”. The memorial events continued with commemorative meals being served across the country. The armed conflict on the Nistru, fought between Moldova and pro-Russian separatists on the left side of the river, started on March 2, 1992 and ended with a ceasefire agreement signed between Moldova and Russia on July 21, 1992. According to Moldovan officials, 287 persons died in the Nistru war, approximately 40 were reported missing, and 3,500 were injured and disabled.