Georgians celebrated the Day of Victory over Fascism

Andrey_Miroshnichenko · May 11, 2023

Despite the bans, millions of people around the world went to the streets this year on May 9 to commemorate the victims of the fight against Nazism and celebrate Victory Day.

In spite of the bans, millions of people in Europe, as well as throughout the former Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day. Even where official celebrations had been cancelled, people gathered at Soviet war memorials of their own initiative.

In Tbilisi, the official celebration of the 78th anniversary of Victory Day took place in the Kikvidze Park of Culture and Recreation for Veterans. The veterans gathered there, and the Georgian leaders came to extend their greetings. Employees and activists of the International Cultural Educational Union "Russian Club" laid flowers at the memorial for victims of the Great Patriotic War at the Kuki Cemetery in Tbilisi. The renovation work did not stop the citizens of Tbilisi who came to the Vake Park to pay their respects to the fallen heroes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The role of Georgian heroes in the victory over Fascism is invaluable. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili at the Kikvidze Cemetery, where ordinary Georgians, public figures, political figures and veterans who are still alive today bring flowers to honor the Victory Day.

The Head of the Government extended congratulations to the gathered veterans and thanked them for their heroic deeds.

"I congratulate our veterans," said the Head of the Cabinet of Ministers. - The role of the Georgian people in the victory in the Patriotic War is invaluable. More than 700,000 Georgians fought in that war; more than half of them sacrificed their lives for the cause of defeating evil and defeating fascism. I bow before our heroes and our veterans. On behalf of our government I would like to thank them once again for everything" - said Garibavshvili.

The traditional place of meeting and honoring of World War II veterans in Tbilisi is Vake Park at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year, however, due to renovation works the events were moved to Kikvidze Park in Tbilisi.

As many as 116 veterans have survived to the 78th Victory Day in Georgia. Last year there were 172.

In the small Georgian town of Akhalkalaki they laid flowers at the bust of World War II veteran Vachagan Vancian. Mayor of Akhalkalaki Melkon Makaryan, chairman of the regional assembly Nairi Iritsyan, other employees of the municipality and regional assembly were also present at the event.

Deputy chairman of the Akhalkalaki district council Hamlet Movsisyan said: "Every year on this day we commemorate the veterans and the fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Today there are many challenges and the world is facing the possibility of World War III, and I wish peace to the whole planet.

Head of Education, Culture, Sports, Youth, Tourism and Monument Protection of the municipality Valery Stelmashov expressed his regret that there are no veterans left in the municipality: "Sadly, no veterans are with us today, and we must honour their memory.

SpankyMcFarland · May 19, 2023

Be that as it may, not every Georgian welcomes closer links with Russia:

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Protesters held banners saying "you are not welcome" at Tbilisi airport in Georgia, as the first direct flight for almost four years arrived from Russia.

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Levan Khabeishvili, who leads the largest opposition party United National Movement, said that President Putin was trying to turn Georgia into a "Russian province".

But he added that "the will of the Georgian people is unshakeable! We choose Europe, not Russia!".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65645527