The speech of the Head of State – Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan at the military parade on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory has begun.
"I congratulate you on the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory! This holiday has become a symbol of the high fighting spirit of our soldiers. We honor the exploits of our ancestors who heroically defended their native land, and we honor the bright memory of those who died in battles for the Fatherland. We also pay tribute to the soldiers who guard the peace of the country in peacetime.
The Great Patriotic War became the most difficult test for all mankind, including Kazakhstan. Those terrible days showed that war brings only grief and loss, and peace is a priceless treasure. The Great Victory became an integral part of the history of our country and the most important lesson for the whole world. This is a truth that we must always remember. It is gratifying that today among us there are respected veterans who managed to survive in this terrible war.
Dear veterans, I express my deepest gratitude to you on behalf of all my compatriots! The heroism of the front-line soldiers will forever remain in our memory, and their selfless love for the Motherland and dedication will always serve as an example for descendants. The names and exploits of the veterans of the Great Patriotic War will never be forgotten! A deep bow to you!
Our people made a huge contribution to the Great Victory. During the Great Patriotic War, over one million two hundred thousand Kazakhstanis were called to the front, half of them died heroically, giving their lives for a bright and safe future for the next generations of compatriots. The military exploits of our countrymen became a vivid testimony to the bravery and courage of the Kazakh people.
Over 500 Kazakhstanis were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Talgat Bigeldinov, Sergey Lugansky, Sagadat Nurmagambetov, Ivan Panfilov, Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, Nurken Abdirov, Malik Gabdullin, Sabyr Rakhimov, Manshuk Mametova, Aliya Moldagulova, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbaev, Khiuaz Dospanova and many other glorious warriors left an indelible mark on history.
Our home front workers demonstrated an example of dedication and fortitude during the war. One and a half thousand train cars of clothing and food products were sent from Kazakhstan to the front. Hundreds of enterprises were relocated and built in the republic, which in the shortest possible time set up the production of military products. At the plants and factories, Kazakhstanis manufactured weapons and ammunition, sewed uniforms. Nine out of ten bullets were cast from Kazakhstani lead.
To honor the Great Victory is, first of all, to sacredly honor the memory of our heroes. The younger generation should know about their military and labor exploits.
We approached the 80th anniversary of the Victory with special attention. Thousands of large-scale events are being held in all regions. It was decided to name about 500 streets across the country after Kazakhstani soldiers. Our country will host the procession "Batyrlarga tagzym" ("Let's Bow to the Heroes"), dedicated to Kazakhstani front-line soldiers. Descendants of the participants in the bloodiest war in human history will carry their portraits through the streets. Today, when the bacilli of aggression and hatred have penetrated global politics, it is extremely important to convey to all citizens of our country the whole truth about the war. Without the truth, it is impossible to know the price of peace. Distortion of the historical truth about the war and the significance of the Great Victory is unacceptable. In the era of global instability, the key task for Kazakhstan is to protect national interests. Our foreign policy is aimed at ensuring this goal.
Kazakhs are a peaceful, yet brave and determined people who firmly follow the principle of “Zhanym – arymnyn sadagasy” (“Honor is more precious than life”).
The heroic traditions of the Kazakh people have been passed down from father to son for centuries. Our legendary batyrs during the times of the Golden Horde and the Kazakh Khanate preserved the vast lands of the Great Steppe for future generations. Today, their descendants vigilantly stand guard over the security of Kazakhstan. Our valiant army is the stronghold of the country's Independence. Kazakh soldiers steadfastly defend the territorial integrity of the state, peace and peaceful life of citizens. The Armed Forces of Kazakhstan contribute to the maintenance of international peace and stability. Our soldiers successfully participate in the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations. This testifies to the high level of trust of the world community in the Kazakh army," said the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
At the end of his speech, the Head of State emphasized:
"Defending the Motherland is a great honor and a huge responsibility. This is the sacred duty of every citizen. Together we will build a Fair, Strong, Safe and Clean Kazakhstan. May our work be crowned with success! May the spirit of the nation grow stronger, and may our statehood be eternal! May our sky-blue flag proudly fly! I congratulate all citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory!"
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
