Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Alley of National Heroes in Victory Park. This memorial complex was established on the initiative of the head of state to honor and perpetuate the memory of military personnel and law enforcement officers who gave their lives in defense of the Motherland during Uzbekistan’s years of independence.

From above, the composition forms a crescent and twelve stars — symbols borrowed from the national flag. Each of the star rays, reaching two meters in height, serves as a commemorative plaque engraved with the names of 196 heroes. Nearby, screens display photo and video materials about each of them: their childhood, dreams, military service, and family life. These materials breathe life not just into names, but into living human stories.

The crescent shape gives the alley the appearance of an intimate amphitheater. Water flowing from its upper section symbolizes purity and cleansing. The central feature of the memorial is a sculptural group depicting parents bidding farewell to their son as he leaves for service. Figures representing the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Supreme Court, Prosecutor General’s Office, State Security Service, Customs Committee, and National Guard flank the parents on both sides.

The President also spoke with the families of fallen soldiers.

— "Every year we gather here to honor the victims of World War II. Today, we also have this memorial, dedicated to those who gave their lives for the country during the years of independence. This was an important and noble step. They are our national heroes, and this place holds special significance. It is an expression of our identity, our gratitude to these people," President Shavkat Mirziyoyev remarked.

The head of state expressed deep respect and gratitude to the families of the fallen heroes.

— "These brave sons of our land, without thinking of themselves, fulfilled their duty and sacrificed their lives for the peace of the people. The peaceful sky over our country is their achievement. Their names live on in our memory, and their families should know that they will forever remain in our hearts. I bow my head to their parents and spouses. May the children of these heroes become worthy continuers of their legacy," said the President.

The importance of preserving the memory of national heroes in local areas was particularly emphasized. This includes holding commemorative events in their home districts, educating young people about their heroic deeds, and creating works of art that inspire with new examples of selflessness.

As part of the celebrations, Shavkat Mirziyoyev also visited World War II and home front veterans, congratulating them on the 80th anniversary of the victory.

— "Accept my sincere congratulations and words of gratitude on behalf of our entire people. Thanks to your heroism, we live today in peace and prosperity. Through you, we must pass on to the younger generation an understanding of the price of this peace. Your life is an example to us, and every word you speak is a source of wisdom. May Almighty God grant you health and longevity so that you remain our pride and spiritual support," noted the President.

Veterans thanked the President for his attention and respect for historical memory, and for the care shown for the older generation, and recited a prayer.

According to the Presidential Decree of February 19, comprehensive support is provided to veterans of the war and home front. World War II veterans and invalids receive a one-time cash allowance of US$10,000, those equated to them — 25 million soums, and home front veterans — 3 million soums.

Many veterans were also awarded the Jubilee Medal "80 Years of Victory in World War II."

Medical and social services, including patronage and treatment at sanatoriums, are organized for veterans and war invalids at their request.

With the involvement of relevant ministries, agencies, organizations, and military units, continuous support is provided not only to war and labor veterans but also to the families of military personnel and law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the years of independence. They receive comprehensive assistance and support in resolving daily life matters.