ASTANA: Kazakhstanis are marking the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War today, local media reported. This day commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, with the signing of the Instrument of Surrender of Germany at 1:00 am Moscow time.
In various former Soviet states, Victory Day has taken on unique characteristics and new names. For example, since 1999, the Republic of Uzbekistan has celebrated Victory Day as the Day of Remembrance and Honor, while in Armenia, it is known as the Day of Victory and Peace. This holiday is observed as a day off in almost all countries that commemorate it.
Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid tribute by laying flowers at the Otan Ana Monument in Astana and observing a minute of silence in memory of Kazakh soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Great Patriotic War. The Presidential Orchestra performed the National Anthem, and the Honor Guard Company marched solemnly before the ceremony participants.
Across the country, ceremonies of laying flowers at war memorials and monuments are taking place. In Kazakhstan’s regions, the “Ardagerlerge Tagzym” (Honoring Veterans) campaign is underway to support and assist veterans of the Great Patriotic War and home front workers, with over 4,500 volunteers participating.
