Flowers laid at the "Eternitate" Memorial. Maia Sandu: "The victory of peace restored our hope for a future built on freedom"
Maia Sandu, the Head of State, along with Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, laid flowers this morning at the "Eternitate" Memorial Complex in Chisinau to honor those who lost their lives in World War II. The Head of State emphasized the significance of May 9, a day that commemorates the victims of war while also celebrating peace and European values.
“After the victory over Nazism was announced on May 8, 1945, May 9, 1945, marked the first day of peace in Europe after years of suffering and destruction. The victory of peace restored hope for a future built on freedom, dignity, and solidarity among peoples,” declared Maia Sandu.
“The peace and victory against tyranny were made possible by the courage and sacrifice of our forefathers, as well as the unity demonstrated by the countries of the world that opposed Nazism,” said the head of state. She noted that the Republic of Moldova was not only part of the tragedy but also part of the victory for peace.
Approximately 56,000 Moldovans never returned from the front, and every family lost someone dear to them.
“The Moldovan people of all ethnicities – Romanians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Russians, and Gagauzians – fought and died for the victory of peace. They gave their lives so that we, their children and grandchildren, could live in peace,” the head of state emphasized.
Maia Sandu urged citizens to honor the memory of the fallen with respect and silence: “Our duty is to preserve this peace and to honor their heroism and sacrifice with respect, not through noisy celebrations.”
In the Republic of Moldova, May 9 has been consistently commemorated over the last thirty years with various ceremonies, public events, and symbolic actions. This date combines the observance of Victory Day in World War II with Europe Day, giving it a dual significance that reflects the ways in which both authorities and citizens have chosen to honor it over time.
