Mirziyoyev Honors WWII Heroes at Tashkent Park of Victory

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Park of Victory in Tashkent on May 8 and took part in a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the Day of Remembrance and Honor, which is annually observed in the country on 9 May.

The head of state laid a wreath at the “Ode to Resilience” monument, dedicated to the courage and selflessness of the Uzbek people during the Second World War. Speaking at the ceremony, the President emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory, respecting war and labor veterans, and maintaining continuity of patriotic traditions.

According to Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the memorial complex has become a symbol of the courage of the multinational people of Uzbekistan, who contributed to the victory. He noted that the memory of the hardships of war serves as a reminder of the high value of peace and stability.

It was stated that during the Second World War, around 2 million residents of Uzbekistan were mobilized to the front out of a population of approximately 6.8 million at the time. Of them, about 540,000 were killed, 158,000 went missing, more than 50,000 died in concentration camps, and over 60,000 returned with disabilities. Around 214,000 natives of the republic were awarded orders and medals.

The President also recalled that during the war Uzbekistan served as an important rear base, supplying the front with equipment, food, and clothing. The republic received about 1.5 million evacuees, including 250,000 orphaned children.

Representatives of the Armed Forces, government and public organizations, neighborhood (mahalla) activists, and members of the older generation took part in the ceremony. They laid flowers at the memorial.

Afterwards, Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Alley of National Heroes and the “Selflessly Devoted to the People” memorial complex, dedicated to servicemen and law enforcement officers who died in the years of independence while defending the country.

The President noted that the defense of the Motherland remains a sacred duty of every generation, especially amid current international tensions. The memorial complex commemorates the names of 196 servicemen and law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

He expressed gratitude to the families of the fallen and stressed the importance of continued support for their relatives and children. According to official data, about 650,000 people, including foreign visitors, visited the memorial complex in 2025.

The event also highlighted the 690th anniversary of the birth of Amir Temur, which is widely being marked this year. The President stated that the ideals of statehood, courage, and patriotism established by the great commander continue to live on in modern generations of the country’s defenders.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that preserving social unity and strengthening patriotism are especially important amid global conflicts and instability. He said Uzbekistan is approaching the 35th anniversary of independence under the motto “With a united homeland and a united people, we will build a new life, a new future!”, reflecting the country’s commitment to cohesion and sustainable development.