The importance of remembrance and Honor — values deeply rooted in the character of the Uzbek nation!

In Uzbekistan, May 9 is annually commemorated as the Day of Remembrance and Honor — a day dedicated to national spirit, historical memory, and core human values. This date stands as a symbol of the bravery of our people, who continue to uphold freedom, peace, and shared principles. A person lives through memory, and with respect, becomes truly great.
 

Today’s peaceful and tranquil life is the result of the struggle and sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and peace — a legacy that we are obliged to value. Remembrance and respect are not only a tribute to war veterans and heroes, but also an essential part of educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, historical awareness, and humanism.
 

The Second World War is recognized as one of the most devastating tragedies in human history. According to archival records, nearly 2 million people from our country, which had a population of approximately 6.8 million at the time, participated in the bloody battles against fascism. Of these, 540,000 were killed, 158,000 went missing, more than 50,000 died in concentration camps from brutal torture, and over 60,000 returned home with lifelong disabilities.
 

A total of 214,000 Uzbek soldiers and officers were awarded military orders and medals, bearing witness to their courage and heroism.
 

Despite the extreme hardships, the Uzbek people received approximately 1.5 million evacuees, including 250,000 orphans separated from their parents, showing immense warmth and compassion in a time of great difficulty.



 

“This is a true chronicle of courage and heroism. No matter how proud we are of our brave people who made a worthy contribution to such a difficult and glorious victory, it will always be justified. We must never forget these feats — we must pass them on to our younger generations. Especially in these troubling times, this carries immense importance. We must all be ready to defend our homeland every single day,” stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
 

At the same time, Uzbek soil became a refuge for thousands of evacuees. Enterprises were established to support the republic’s economy, homes for children were opened, and conditions were created for cultural and educational figures to continue their work. All of this stands as a testament to the generosity, resilience, and humanism of our people.
 

Those who witnessed the horrors of war, when they pray, express gratitude for the peace in our country and for having survived those difficult times. Today, the peace and stability in our country, the unity of our people — this is our greatest treasure, and we must recognize its value, cherish it, and protect it.
 

In this context, the remembrance of the thousands of our compatriots who perished in World War II, the respect for those who returned from the fiery battlefields, and the honor extended to those who endured hardship without losing their dignity have become true national values. That is why, every May, meetings with war veterans, labor heroes, and spiritual-educational events are held across various regions of our country.
 

The Day of Remembrance and Honor is not only about commemorating the past — it is a reflection of how deeply we value today’s peace, security, and future, and how faithfully we uphold our responsibilities in this regard. Preserving this memory and defending it is our moral obligation to ourselves and future generations.