9 May in Chișinău// President: Moldova celebrates heroes and commemorates victory of peace

On 9 May, the Republic of Moldova commemorates those who sacrificed their lives and health in World War II, with Europe Day also being marked. The series of events started in the morning with a tribute at Eternity Memorial Complex in the capital.

Hundreds of people gathered in the rain at the memorial to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in the most brutal and bloody war of the 20th century.


"Today is a day with double significance for Europe, but also for the entire world. After the victory against Nazism was announced on 8 May 1945, 9 May 1945, was the first day of peace after years of suffering and destruction. The victory of peace restored hope for a future built on freedom, dignity, and solidarity between nations. We gather together with thought and heart to commemorate one of the most painful pages in human history - World War II, a war in which more than 70 million people died. Peace and victory against tyranny were possible thanks to the courage and sacrifice of our predecessors and the unity shown by countries around the world that opposed Nazism," President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu said.


The head of state emphasized that Moldova was part of the tragedy, but also part of the victory of peace.


"56,000 Moldovans never returned home from the front. Practically every family lost someone dear. Moldovans of all ethnicities - Romanians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Russians, Gagauzians fought and died for the victory of peace. They all gave their lives so that we, their children and grandchildren could live in peace. Our duty is to preserve peace and honor the sacrifice with respect and in silence, not through noisy celebrations," said Maia Sandu.


The President delivered an address in Russian as well, so that everyone, including those who do not know the Romanian language well, could understand "why it is difficult for us, those with roots in Moldova, to rejoice on this day."


"No matter how some politicians try to divide us, to tell us we are different, we know the truth. The war wounds were the same for all of Moldova, and respect for the sacrifices and heroism of our predecessors unites us all. To our veterans, the few who are still among us, we express our gratitude for their sacrifice. After 1945, Europe chose a different path, chose reconciliation, chose to turn wounds into bridges between people. For eight decades, the states that are part of the European Union have experienced the longest period of peace in their history, and Moldova aspires to be part of this family. Not only for economic development but especially to preserve peace, democracy, and freedom. But today, at our borders, this peace is again threatened. Russia, which monopolizes the victory over Nazism, has become the aggressor entering Ukraine with tanks and death," Sandu mentioned.


The head of state emphasized that the bombing of Ukrainian cities, while simultaneously celebrating the peace of 1945 with parades, is incomprehensible.


"We see noisy parades or how Kremlin glorifies the war from 80 years ago but turns a blind eye to the crimes that Russia is committing today in Ukraine. The lives lost today in Ukraine do not cost less than those lost in Stalingrad. Moldova no longer wants tyranny; we want peace and freedom. No matter how many wounds we bear, let us be united in the name of the future in peace and dignity, to go together into the European family, of countries that cherish human life, freedoms, and security. Peace is not a given; peace is defended day by day with voice, vote, truth, and solidarity. Moldova celebrates its heroes and commemorates the victory of peace; we will stand by those who defend life, not those who destroy it," declared the President.


The President's speech was followed by a flower-laying ceremony attended by top country leadership, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, representatives of the diplomatic staff, government members, public institutions representatives and citizens.

Today, a Memory March organized by the Bloc of Socialists and Communists, as well as two other leftist parties is also scheduled. 

The Republic of Moldova celebrates May 9 today, with a double significance. On this day, Europe Day is marked, which represents the anniversary of the historic moment of the Declaration by the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, who proposed the idea of a new form of political cooperation in Europe, that would make war between European nations unthinkable. Robert Schuman's proposal is considered the cornerstone of the European Union. Also, on this day, Victory Day in Europe is marked, which commemorates the capitulation of Nazi Germany. However, in the USSR, until its dissolution, 9 May was considered Victory Day in the Great War.

One of the main theses of Russian propaganda is that the Soviet Union was the only true force that fought against Nazi Germany and fascism. Additionally, efforts were made to consolidate the image of the Soviet Union, and later Russia, as the leader of the global anti-fascist movement. The so-called "denazification" thesis became the main official reason for Moscow's invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

Reporter - Lilia Grubîi