Dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War, compatriots! I congratulate you on the Great Victory Day!

Victory Day unites all generations of citizens of our country with its enormous moral, inspiring power. It is forever inscribed in the fate of every family, every person. We will always remember the feat of the heroes-liberators who crushed Nazism, defended their native land from the enemy and be proud of the example of selfless service to the Fatherland bequeathed to us by our veterans.

We are proud of the contribution of the Abkhaz land to the Great Victory. Our country sent more than fifty thousand soldiers to the front, of which more than seventeen thousand died in dignity on the battlefields, twenty-two of our compatriots were awarded the highest degree of distinction - Hero of the Soviet Union. We bow our heads in memory of those who did not see the victorious May 1945 salutes. We grieve and remember all the victims of that terrible war.

The feat of the Soviet soldier served as an example of patriotism in the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia in 1992-1993. This proves that life always triumphs over death. Therefore, the people of Abkhazia must preserve this invaluable heritage for centuries - our Great Victory. To honor and protect it from slander and falsification.

Dear veterans, live happily ever after! Stay in the ranks in the battle for the younger generation, their upbringing in the spirit of patriotism, love for their homeland. Health and happy long life. Happy Victory Day!

Aslan Bzhania, President of the Republic of Abkhazia