The Nistru war started on March 2, 1992. Fierce fighting took place in Cocieri, Coșnița, Dubăsari, Tighina. “It has been 30 decades since they (country’s defenders, e.n.) made history with the own life for our peace today,” the head of the General Police Inspectorate (GPI) Viorel Cernăuțeanu noted in a video, IPN reports.

According to the official, today is a special day on which he wants to express his feelings of gratitude and respect for those who unconditionally defended this land and honorably fulfilled their duty before the country.

Viorel Cernăuțeanu said those who went to the battlefield weren’t appropriately armed, but were determined to defend the country for the future generations. “They went to the battlefield, leaving mothers, wives and children behind and taking with them hope that they will return, will resist and will yet see them,” he stated, noting that many of them returned with pain in souls after losing the comrades in fighting, with physical injuries and with emotional wounds that will never heal.

“Dear veterans, we thank you for teaching us that love for the country is not measured by words, but by deeds. You showed to us what patriotism, honor, dignity mean and gained a place in the history pages of the Republic of Moldova. Your life lesson is unchallengeable. Today, you have a powerful wish for peace, as we all do,” said Viorel Cernăuțeanu.

Almost 300 people were killed in the war for defending the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova. Another 370 were hurt in this and remained disabled.