Today, on February 15, Donetsk hosted a rally at monument to fallen warriors-internationalists in Lenin Komsomol Park. It was dedicated to the 31st anniversary of Soviet troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to a correspondent of the DPR Official Website, veterans of the Afghan war from Donetsk, Makeyevka, Yenakiyevo and other towns, members of the Donetsk Republic Public Movement, hundreds of non-indifferent Donetsk citizens gathered there.
Head of the DPR Denis Pushilin, President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, Chairman of the DPR People’s Council Vladimir Bidyovka, Mayor of Donetsk Alexey Kulemzin, Chief of the DPR Afghanistan Veterans’ Union Vladimir Savyolov and other officials took part in the solemn event.
“Dear friends,
Traditionally, we gather on February 15 to recall the Afghan war. This is no ordinary date for us. For us, it is also a certain tribute to those people who performed heroic feats during that war. Of course, the most important thing for us is that Afghan veterans took part in that war. Many of you rose on your own, no one had to ask you or persuade. You fully realized and fulfilled your duty to protect your land, many of you stay in the ranks to this day.
We must remember the heroic feats of all wars, because it is always honorable and estimable to protect your land, your people, and your families. It is the duty of every man. Of course, it is also worth mentioning the effect on the future generations, young men and Yunarmiya members are looking up to you.
I wish you good health, luck and confidence in tomorrow!” Denis Pushilin congratulated Afghan veterans.
To commemorate the anniversary of the Soviet troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Head of the Republic awarded the veterans of Afghanistan with state decorations, Medals For Faithfulness to Duty and Service to the Motherland.
“I congratulate you all on your holiday! I think that was your duty, which you fulfilled with honor, no matter what they say about the war in Afghanistan!” President of the Republic of South Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov addressed the Afghan soldiers of Donetsk.
“Afghan warriors are those people who were first to stand in the way of international terrorism. And they performed not only the military duty, but also a humanitarian mission. This shows how important your service was,” Chairman of the People’s Council Vladimir Bidyovka emphasized in his speech.
Then the leaders of the friendly states laid flowers at the monument to fallen warriors-internationalists. Those present observed a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of those who did not return from the war alive, a triple gun salute was fired in their honor.