Moldovan poet would have turned 88 years

Chisinau, February 14 /MOLDPRES/- Writers, journalists, people of culture, teachers, students and children gathered today at the bust of poet Grigore Vieru on the Alley of Classics of Romanian Literature in the capital to pay tribute to him on his 88th birthday.

President of the Writers' Union of Moldova Teo Chiriac said that it is an important event, at the national level, as Grigore Vieru's work is a good for everyone. "The best thing to do is to return to his poetry, his songs, and in this way we will express our respect for his creation, for the Romanian language", he said.

According to writer Arcadie Suceveanu, Grigore Vieru entered deep into our national consciousness and is a true national poet. "It is the first contemporary classic with which we had the opportunity to shake hands. His poetry is a Sunday, a celebration of the Romanian language", Suceveanu said.

Grigore Vieru was born on February 14, 1935 in Pererâta, Hotin county, currently Briceni district.

In 1988, he was awarded the most prestigious international distinction in the field of children's literature - the Diploma of Honor H. Ch. Andersen. In 1996 he was decorated with the Order of the Republic. In 1990 he was elected Honorary Member of the Romanian Academy, and in 1993 - its corresponding member. He died on January 18, 2009 as a result of an accident. Grigore Vieru was posthumously decorated with the National Order Star of Romania in the Grand Cross degree. Currently, several schools in the Republic of Moldova, a boulevard in the capital and a street in Iasi, Romania, bear his name.