Shavkat Mirziyoyev visits Victory Park

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Victory Park today, May 8, on the occasion of May 9 — the Day of Memory and Honor — and participated in a solemn memorial ceremony. The visit was reported by the presidential press service.

A somber melody echoed throughout the park, where each monument, symbol, and inscription reflects the harsh realities of war and underscores the immense contribution of the Uzbek people to victory. The park sees particularly high attendance on commemorative days such as this.

In keeping with a tradition established in recent years, the head of state laid a wreath at the foot of the "Hymn of Courage" monument.

According to historical records, approximately 2 million people from Uzbekistan, whose population at the time was 6.8 million, fought in World War II. Around 540,000 were killed in action, 158,000 went missing, more than 50,000 died in concentration camps, and over 60,000 returned home with disabilities.

Roughly 214,000 Uzbek soldiers and officers were awarded combat orders and medals for their bravery.

During the war, Uzbekistan became a vital logistical hub, supplying large quantities of military equipment, weapons, clothing, and food to the front. Despite facing severe hardships, the republic sheltered around 1.5 million evacuees, including 250,000 orphans.

“These are truly chronicles of courage and heroism. We should take pride in our valiant people who made a meaningful contribution to such a difficult and glorious victory. We must never forget these heroic deeds and must pass them on to our youth. This is especially important in today’s dangerous times. We must all be ready to defend our homeland each day,” President Mirziyoyev said.

According to a presidential resolution issued on February 19, the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II and the Day of Memory and Honor are being commemorated with great respect across the country. Tribute is being paid to those who gave their lives for peace and stability, and honors are being extended to surviving veterans and elderly citizens.

Representatives of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, government and public institutions, community leaders, and members of the Nuroniy foundation also participated in the ceremony, laying flowers at the monument.

The president also viewed the "Xotira Nuri" (Light of Memory) installation, dedicated to the heroes of Uzbekistan who fought both at the front and behind the lines. The sculpture, in the form of two birds in flight, symbolizes continuity between generations.

The artwork blends historical tradition with modern design. It includes a QR code allowing visitors to access information about the complex and read the digital book "Xotira Nuri" (Light of Memory).