Radiy Khabirov laid flowers at "Grieving Mother" memorial and honored memory of internationalist soldiers

The Head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov today laid flowers at the "Grieving Mother" memorial in memory of the natives of the republic who died in local military conflicts.

On February 15, Russia remembers the fighters who performed and are performing their duty outside the Fatherland. The date was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan - it was exactly 33 years ago, on February 15, 1989. During the fighting on the territory of this country in the period from 1979 to 1989, about 15 thousand Soviet military personnel were killed, of which 343 were natives of Bashkortostan.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the State Assembly RB Konstantin Tolkachev, Deputy Prime Minister Irek Sagitov, Acting Head of Ufa Administration Ratmir Mavliev, combat veterans, parents of fallen soldiers and cadets. Representatives of the Christian and Muslim confessions read memorial prayers for the fallen defenders of the Fatherland.

Before starting the flower-laying ceremony at the "Grieving Mother" memorial, the participants observed a minute of silence in memory of our fellow countrymen who died in local military conflicts.

After the ceremony, the Head of the Republic talked to the war veterans.

Until 2011, February 15 was celebrated as the Day of Remembrance of the Internationalist Warriors but had no official status. The new date was established as a single day of remembrance for all citizens of Russia who showed selflessness and devotion to the Motherland while participating in hostilities abroad.

The memorial was erected on October 25, 2003. The author is the famous sculptor Nikolay Kalinushkin. The sketch of the monument was created in 1998 after completing the construction of Victory Park.

Author: Azat Gizzatullin