National unity and solidarity are the greatest strength and the greatest wealth

On May 8, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Victory Park in Tashkent.

Almost 81 years have passed since the end of the Second World War. Yet even decades later, the war’s bitter history, the unprecedented calamities and suffering it inflicted on humanity, have not faded from memory. On the contrary, these tragic pages of history remind us again and again of how priceless peace and tranquility are. This is the profound meaning embodied in the Day of Remembrance and Honor, observed on May 9.

The Head of State took part in a commemorative ceremony held in Victory Park on the occasion of this significant date.

Following tradition, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev laid a wreath at the Ode to Fortitude Monument. This landmark memorial embodies the ordeals our people endured during the war years, their resilience, and the irreparable losses they suffered.

“Today, we express special care and respect for the war and labor veterans who are among us in good health, as well as for all our esteemed representatives of the older generation. This complex can rightly be called a sacred place that honors the courage and heroism of the multinational people who made a worthy contribution to the Great Victory”, the Head of State said.

According to available data, about 2 million residents of Uzbekistan, then a country with a population of 6.8 million, took part in the bloody battles against fascism. Of them, around 540,000 were killed, 158,000 went missing, more than 50,000 died in concentration camps from unimaginable torment and suffering, and over 60,000 returned home disabled.

The heroism of Uzbek soldiers and officers is also evidenced by the fact that about 214,000 of them received military orders and medals.

During the war years, Uzbekistan became a strong rear base for the front. Military equipment, weapons, clothing, and food were regularly sent to the battlefields. Despite extremely difficult conditions, our people welcomed and cared for about 1.5 million people evacuated from combat zones, including 250,000 orphaned children who had lost their parents.

The event was also attended by representatives of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, state and public organizations, mahalla activists, and representatives of the older generation. They laid flowers at the memorial.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also visited the Alley of National Heroes in Victory Park and paid tribute to the memory of servicemen and law enforcement officers who died during the years of independence while defending the country.

“It is no coincidence that we built the Selflessly Devoted to the People memorial complex here. It serves as a reminder that defending the Motherland is a sacred duty for every generation and as a symbol of the continuity of patriotic traditions”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

The memorial complex bears the names of 196 servicemen and law enforcement officers who heroically died during the years of independence while defending the Motherland’s freedom and peace in the country.

The Head of State expressed deep gratitude to the parents who raised such courageous, truly devoted sons of the Motherland.

Our people will never forget the selfless, heroic sons who, in the prime of their lives, became a shield against the enemy and sacrificed themselves for the Motherland. In 2025 alone, this memorial complex was visited by about 650,000 of our compatriots and foreign guests.

Many spiritual and educational events, history and patriotism lessons, and “Hour of the Future” classes are held here. It was noted that this work is of great spiritual and educational importance and must be continued consistently.

This year, the 690th anniversary of the birth of our great ancestor Amir Temur is being widely celebrated in Uzbekistan and abroad.

The ideals of statehood, courage, and heroism laid down by the great Sahibkiran have not lost their power to this day. Our brave soldiers, officers, and generals carry forward this glorious tradition. They are our greatest wealth, a reliable and strong shield of the Motherland.

“We see a new generation of Alpomishes, Manguberdis, and Amir Temurs among the students of the Temurbek Schools and among our brave soldiers standing here in formation today. The rich heritage of our great ancestors, their school of knowledge and experience, is returning not only to our museums but also to our hearts. It is as if they are coming back to life, and, together with us, building New Uzbekistan and laying the foundation for the Third Renaissance. Everyone who visits the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, the State Museum of the Temurids History, or the Imam Bukhari complex in Samarkand deeply feels this”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

As noted, defending the Motherland is an issue that never leaves the agenda of the state and the people. It is a sacred and great duty for all of us. Especially in today’s extremely tense times, its importance increases many times over.

This year, the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence will be widely and solemnly celebrated. There is undoubtedly profound significance in the fact that this great date is being marked by the noble motto “With one Motherland and one people, we will build a new life, a new future!”

“Today, we see conflicts and wars unfolding in neighboring regions. Life itself once again confirms that preserving national unity and solidarity in such difficult conditions is our greatest strength and greatest wealth. Defending the Motherland is the greatest and most honorable mission. Our courageous sons, who deeply understand this truth and always remain faithful to their military oath, deserve the highest expressions of gratitude and respect”, the Head of State said.

It was noted that the Alley of National Heroes must remain a sacred place where the voice of courage, calling for peace and educating thousands and millions of defenders of the Motherland, resounds day and night.

It was emphasized that comprehensive support for the families and children of the sons who heroically died while fulfilling their duty to the Motherland will continue consistently.

UzA