Today, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended memorial ceremony at Victory Park in Tashkent, the presidential press service said.

“80 years have elapsed since the end of World War II. Despite the decades that have passed since then, its memories, suffering and trials that it brought are still vivid. While, the horrors of war remind us of the value of peace and tranquility. The Remembrance and Honor Day, marked on May 9, carries this deep meaning,” the statement said.

The head of state laid a wreath at the Ode to Fortitude monument, a monument symbolizing the suffering, deprivation, courage and losses that the people of Uzbekistan suffered during the war.

According to archives, almost 2 million people out of the total of 6.8 million joined the bloody battles against fascism. Of these, about 540,000 died, 158,000 went missing, over 50,000 died in concentration camps, and over 60,000 returned from the front with disabilities.

“The valor of Uzbek soldiers and officers is evidenced by the fact that 214,000 of them were awarded military orders and medals,” the statement said.

Huge quantities of equipment, weapons, clothing, and food were sent from Uzbekistan to the front lines. Despite the most difficult conditions, the Uzbek people welcomed with open hearts about 1.5 million evacuees from combat zones, including 250,000 orphans.

“All this is a chronicle of true courage and heroism. We have the right to be proud of our brave people, who made a worthy contribution to such a difficult and glorious Victory. We must not forget this heroism; it is necessary to convey these facts to the youth. This is especially important in these troubled times. Each of us must be ready to defend our Motherland every day,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Armed Forces, government and public organizations, mahalla and respected elders. The participants laid flowers at the monument.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also examined the Light of Memory composition, dedicated to the heroism of Uzbeks who fought at the front and worked in the rear. The monument is made in the form of two soaring birds, symbolizing the continuity of generations.

The composition combines historical heritage and contemporary art. Using the QR code placed on the monument, visitors can learn about the complex and the war heroes and download the “Light of Memory” book.