Ashraf AboArafe
Itis known that May 9 in Uzbekistan is commemorated as a Day of Remembrance and Homage, the 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory over fascis.
The people of Uzbekistan has made a huge contribution to the common victory over fascism. Out of 6,5 million people who lived in Uzbekistan back then, 1,9 million people joined the battle. 420 thousand lost their lives; 640 thousand sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Republic formed 15 divisions and brigades.
120 thousand Uzbekistani were awarded orders and medals for fortitude and courage demonstrated at times of war. 338 received “Hero” title, 53 became the holders of the Order of Glory.
Uzbekistan maintained a robust work to adjust the national economy for war conditions, mobilized labor and economic resources for the needs of the battle.
For the time of war, more than 200 large industrial enterprises produced weapons and military equipment. Additionally, another 100 industrial enterprises were evacuated and put into service in the country.
Uzbekistan’s industry supplied the battle with 2,100 planes, 17,342 aircraft engines, 17,100 mortars, 22 million mines, 560 thousand ordnances, more than 2 million air bombs, around 1 million grenades, 330 thousand parachutes, 5 armored trains, 18 military-sanitary trains and other necessary products.
The Republic we know nowadays, not only supplied armor, but also food. For the time of war, Uzbekistan hosted around half a million evacuated from occupied territories of former Soviet Union. Housing, jobs and financial support was provided to them. Evacuated children are the ones who received the special love. 200 thousand orphaned children of different nationalities found their home in Uzbekistan, their second home and new parents. Children adoption movement who lost their parents sparked in the country. For instance, the family of Tashkent blacksmith Shoahmed Shomakhmudov adopted 14 children.
The head of the Republic of Uzbekistan pays tribute to veterans of the Second World War, sacredly honors the memory of those who died in the war.
Sorrowful Mother Monument was built next to the Eternal Flame in Tashkent in 1999 as a memory of 420 thousand soldiers of Uzbekistan who lost their lives during World War II. Their names are inked in history of memory book.
Friendship of People’s Palace in Tashkent hosts the sculpture of Shomakhmudov family devoted to their act of humanity and good will.
Participants of the war receive deep respect and care in Uzbekistan; numerous events are held to support them, not only on the eve of May 9, but throughout the year.
In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev dated March 30, 2020, in light of commemoration of May 9, the nationwide holiday – the Day of Remembrance and Homage, perpetuating the memory of those who died in the Second World War, paying tribute to the veterans who are still in our country today in the ranks, contribute to increasing the authority of the Motherland, spiritual and moral education of youth, as well as with a view to material incentives, participants and disabled people of the war will receive 10 million soums ($1000) remuneration in light of the 75th anniversary of the Victory over fascism.
Currently, over 3 thousand veterans of the war and 70 thousand front workers live in the country.
By the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miziyoyev Victory Park was created in memory of Uzbekistani who made a contribution to the victory over fascism in the Second World War. Guests of the park will have a chance to immerse themselves in the spirit of war years, dive into the times of historic battle.
The park features the Museum of Glory, compositions with trenches, dugouts and field kitchens, libraries, samples of military equipment and weapons of WWII years. The railway station that hosted millions of evacuated at times of war from all over the former union, as well as trains with wounded was also recreated in the park. The creation of the exposition became a nationwide affair; people donated their relics to the museum from all over the Republic.
The sculpture depicting war heroes led by the legendary, first Uzbek general Sobir Rakhimov is located at the center alley of the complex.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking on the purpose of the complex, noted that young people who will visit the venue will be able to learn new things, feel inspired and proud, learn to value the world we have today.
