Memorial and Remembrance Day marked across the country

CHISINAU, March 2, 2024 — The Day of Memory and Remembrance was marked today throughout the country with a series of activities commemorating the heroes who died in the battles to defend the integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova.

The events in Chisinau started with a solemn rally attended by President Maia Sandu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the National Army, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Intelligence and Security Service, representatives of diplomatic missions in the country, as well as veterans, soldiers and policemen.

This was followed by the laying of flowers at the Monument of Stephen the Great and Holy and a March of Remembrance from the Great National Assembly Square to the “Mother of Sorrows” monument at the “Eternity” Memorial Complex, where a commemorative rally was held.

In his speech, Minister Anatolie Nosatîi said that the 1992 battles are a tragic episode in our history, appreciating the courage and dedication of those who died on the battlefield, as well as the war veterans. “Although 32 years have passed since this tragic episode in our history, its echo is still alive. Those battles destroyed destinies and left behind heartbroken families — parents, spouses, children. For them, the policemen, the soldiers and the volunteers who paid a price too high for the peace and independence we have today, they were sons, husbands, brothers, and for the National Army they are an example of courage and dedication to country, national values, military oath. Their sacrifice will remain forever in our memory”, said Anatolie Nosatîi.

The official also addressed the veterans of the 1992 war with the message: “The patriotism you showed in those difficult times for our country is a real school of life for the soldiers, sergeants and officers of the National Army, but also for the younger generation. You have all our appreciation and respect for your acts of courage”.

For his part, Minister of Interior Affairs Adrian Efros said: “With precarious equipment, without hesitation, the staff of the internal affairs system put their lives and health at stake for the defense of our country. Unfortunately, many of them never returned home, and this burden still hurts us all. Our relief now is that we have a free homeland, the Republic of Moldova, and we have with us the brave veterans whom we honor and salute for their great achievement. Your sacrifice on the battlefield, your sweat and blood left in the trenches build our determination to go forward and say as you do ” We stand for duty!“.

The action ended with a minute of silence and laying of flowers at the monument “Mother of Sorrows” and the graves of the fallen soldiers who died during the actions in the struggle to defend the integrity and independence of the Republic of Moldova, buried in the Central Cemetery in the capital.

March 2 was also marked by soldiers from all garrisons of the National Army.

At the same time, in the context of the Day of Remembrance and Memory, divine services were held in churches across the country and the temporary exhibition “In Memoriam” was opened at the Agency for Science and Military Memory. Similar exhibitions were also organized in pre-university educational institutions across the country.

According to official figures, more than 30 000 people took part in the battles of 1992. Of these, 300 soldiers, policemen and volunteers lost their lives and another 3 500 were wounded.