Romanian soldiers buried at the Heroes Cemetery in Chisinau were commemorated on October 25 in connection with the celebration of the Romanian Army Day. On this occasion, a group of priests of the Bessarabian Metropolitan Church held a service in memory of the soldiers killed in battle. The event was attended by diplomats, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, veterans, service members and students, IPN reports.
Colonel Cristi Ladaniuc, military attaché of the Embassy of Romania, said this is a resonant day in the history of the Romanian people, when it is commemorated a military deed and a national conscience deed. But the significance of the holiday is much broader as this honors the warrior traditions of the Romanians and the heroes of Romania. This is also the holiday of the Romanian service members who serve the country with determination and devotion. “We will never be able to do enough to honor their memory and sacrifice,” stated the military attaché.
“Each of them was eager to defend their homeland so as to return to their homes, families and children, but it is known that battles always require sacrifice. Some become saints for their struggle and courageousness, while others have yet days to live and can return to the places where they were born,” stated His Holiness Petru, Metropolitan Bishop of Bessarabia.
Romania’s Ambassador to Moldova Daniel Ionita said today we commemorate with tears the soldiers of the Romanian army and allied armies, who were buried here, but we also celebrate the Romanian Army Day. “In time, the Romanian Army contributed to building the unified national Romanian state. The National Army made a significant contribution through its soldiers and sons, sacrificing itself for Romania today to be a country respected at international level,” noted the diplomat.
“On this day, when the Romanian people celebrate the National Army Day, it is our duty to come here, to the Heroes Cemetery in Chisinau and offer military honors to those who were killed in battle. We kneel down and lay flowers in their memory, for their courage and sacrifice,” said Deputy Minister of Defense Gheorghe Galbura.
Veteran Petru Ciobanu, 94, remembered with sadness those moments when he returned home after the war ended and found another country that welcomed them coldly. With the declaration of independence, he regained his rights and received all kinds of benefits enjoyed by veterans, including from Romania, as he has Romanian nationality as well.
A ceremony to commemorate the Romanian heroes was also staged at the Romanian Heroes Cemetery in Varzaresti village of Nisporeni district.
