Ilsur Metshin, on veterans of the Great Patriotic War: «Each story deserves a place in a book or a movie»

Today, Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin presented jubilee medals «80 Years of the Great Victor» to veterans from Kazan. Twelve people whose lives were linked to the war of 1941-1945 took part in the event. Among them were participants in military actions, prisoners of concentration camps, and residents of besieged Leningrad.

«We are happy to welcome you here on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Each of your stories deserves to be depicted in a book, a novel, or a movie. Your warm hearts have remained open to us. It is a great honor and source of pride to congratulate and thank you for your contribution to victory on the frontlines and in the rear. You have faced many challenges», – said Ilsur Metshin, addressing the veterans.

The Mayor's family was also affected by the war of 1941-1945 – both grandfathers died on the front. «In our country, with millions of people, there is not a single family that was spared from the Great Patriotic War. We are united by our great pride in the great victory and feat. We pay our respects to you», – the Mayor said.

Currently, there are 2,634 disabled veterans of the Great Patriotic War, home front workers, and widows in Kazan. Ilsur Metshin expressed his special gratitude to these people for their contribution to the patriotic upbringing of the younger generation.

«The special military operation has proven that we are still a united and large multinational nation. Our brace is our Homeland, our pride in it, and our patriotism, no matter how much they have tried over the years since the collapse of the Soviet Union to instill new values and ideals. New history of Russia shows that we remain a great power», – the Mayor noted.

Zinaida Antoshkina was one of those awarded the jubilee medal. In August 1941, the German army captured the town of Zhizdra in the Kaluga region, where Zinaida Grigorievna was living at the time, at the age of five. For two years, the city was occupied by the enemy, and then, in 1943, they were driven westward by the retreating German forces. They walked hundreds of kilometers, to the first concentration camp in Minsk. As she recalls, this was the most frightening experience. After that, there were Buchenwald, Dachau, and Beblingen. She remembers being released from captivity in April 1945.

«I saw Berlin and Warsaw in ruins, and how our soldiers helped hungry German women and children. They scream previously, 'Russian, Schwein,' but soviet soldiers were always so sensitive to others. And the most interesting thing was that they were cleaning up Berlin and Warsaw. We should always show gratitude towards Russian soldiers, as they are truly liberators», – she reminded.

Kayui Khasanov, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in July, has become the oldest among the participants of the ceremony. He was born in the Chelyabinsk region and grew up in a large family of peasants. In March 1943, he volunteered for the army and fought on the First Baltic Front. He participated in the liberation of Smolensk and Belarus. For his contributions to the Great Victory, Kayui Khasanov received the Orders of Glory and the Red Banner of Labor. He also received medals «For bravery», «For capturing Vienna and Budapest», and «For victory over Germany».

«Listening to veterans, living witnesses, is a great pleasure for us. Each one of you has had a difficult life. You passed through such trials, yet you have maintained your love for life and your love for others. You pass on to us, your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the ideals of love and patriotism. You serve as an excellent example for us. We are very grateful that you are here among us», – said Ilsur Metshin.