A solemn ceremony was held on May 9 in Baku to mark the 66th anniversary of the victory over fascism in the World War II. President Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremony.
The people of Azerbaijan have made grade contributions to the historical victory over fascism. The Azerbaijani people, who hold a great share in achievement of this victory, sent more than 640 of its sons and daughters off to the front. About half of them were killed on the battlefield. More than 130 citizens of Azerbaijan were named Heroes of the Soviet Union, and over 170 thousand soldiers and officers were awarded various orders and medals for their courage during that terrible war.
The Azerbaijani divisions have followed a glorious warpath from the Caucasus to Berlin, while hundreds of our compatriots fought as part of guerilla groups. 77, 223, 336, 402 and 416 national infantry divisions, comprising of Azerbaijani draftees and volunteers, have demonstrated unexampled bravery and courage on the battlefields, thus, writing their names onto the pages of history in golden letters.
The Oil Baku’s contribution to the glorious victory was indispensable. During the war years, three-quarters of the oil, extracted in the Soviet Union, and 85-90 percent of the aviation gasoline and high-quality motor oils came from Azerbaijan. During the World War II, the majority of tanks and planes of the Soviet Army, which played a decisive role in achieving the victory over fascism, were set in motion owing to the fuel sent by Baku oilmen.
National leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, devoted special attention and care to the problems of war veterans in all times while in power. This policy of the national leader is followed by President Ilham Aliyev as well. The allocation of lump-sum financial assistance to the war veterans and their families by the Order of the President on the eve of the Victory Day is an obvious demonstration of this care.
The historical bravery of the Azerbaijani sons and daughters, who went down a glorious warpath during the II World War, as well as the selfless services of those working on the home front will never be forgotten and will be a true example of patriotism for the young generation.
War veterans, community representatives, residents of the capital, who have gathered in front of the monument to one of the distinguished warlords of the Great Patriotic War, the valiant son of our nation, the major-general of tank brigade, twice Hero of the Soviet Union – Hazi Aslanov, welcomed President Ilham Aliyev with respect and reverence.
A guard of honor was lined up.
The President welcomed the war veterans sincerely and congratulated each and every one of them with the Victory Day.
The Azerbaijani President approached the war veterans, who have passed through grave and perilous tests of the years of 1941-1945, and inquired about their concerns. The veterans recalled the care and attention of national leader Heydar Aliyev and expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, who follows the latter’s political line. They said they would further support the President, who spares no effort for development of the country.
President Ilham Aliyev had his photos taken with the war veterans of the World War II.
The President laid a wreath at the monument to twice the Hero of the Soviet Union – Hazi Aslanov and honored with deep respect the dear memories of the brave warlord and gallant sons of the nation, who have demonstrated unexampled heroism during the Second World War.
The guard of honor marched past the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
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Chairman of the Milli Majlis Oktay Asadov, Chief of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and other officials were among the participants of the ceremony.
