Great departed poet of Moldova commemorated at 90th birthday anniversary

The great departed poet, Grigore Vieru, one of the most emblematic figures of Romanian literature, today is commemorated in Moldova, on the 90th anniversary of his birth. The events coincide with the National Reading Day, established in our country three years ago, in order to promote a reading culture in the society.

The events began with flower-laying at the bust of poet Grigore Vieru on the Alley of Classics of Romanian Literature in the Stefan cel Mare Public Garden from Chisinau.

Grigore Vieru will be commemorated through exhibitions, symposiums, activities promoting reading, by exploring the works of the great poet, literary discussions, poetry recitals, round tables, contests and open lessons in schools.

Thus, the Academy of Sciences of Moldova today organizes a scientific symposium titled, Grigore Vieru – 90. An Agreement with Eminescu. During this event, an anthology in the Azerbaijani language, Grigore Vieru. The Song of the Needle, will be launched.

At the same time, the National Museum of Romanian Literature will inaugurate a commemorative exhibition dedicated to poet Grigore Vieru, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of his birth.

On the occasion of the National Reading Day and Grigore Vieru's commemoration day, the National Library of Moldova (BNRM) is organizing an anniversary exhibition titled, Grigore Vieru, the Wordsmith of the Nation, at the Parliament’s Museum.

BNRM will also hold an anniversary exhibition titled, Grigore Vieru, a Tear of Light and Eternity. The event is mean to pay tribute to a genius, whose verses remain a national treasure and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for future generations.

Activities dedicated to poet Grigore Vieru and the National Reading Day will also be organized at the National Library for Children Ion Creangă. These include a reading encouragement campaign, 20 Minutes of Magic, meetings with writers, reading and creation workshops, recitals of poems.

Grigore Vieru will be commemorated through various actions organized in schools and libraries in several settlements across the country.

Grigore Vieru was born on February 14, 1935, in the village of Pererâta, Hotin County, currently Briceni District. He is the author of a lot of poetry volumes.

Grigore Vieru is also the author of the Abecedar (ABC-book). His works were translated into English, Russian, German, Italian, Bulgarian and other languages.

In 1988, Vieru was awarded the most prestigious international distinction in the field of children's literature – the Hans Christian Andersen Honorary Diploma. In 1996, he was awarded the Order of the Republic. In 1990, Grigore Vieru was elected an Honorary Member of the Romanian Academy, and in 1993, - a corresponding member of this Academy.

The poet passed away on January 18, 2009, in the wake of a car accident. Grigore Vieru was posthumously awarded the National Order Star of Romania, in the rank of Grand Cross.

At present, several schools in Moldova, a boulevard in Chisinau and a street in Iasi, Romania, bear his name.