Penza, 22 June 2011. PenzaNews. Requiem for the victims of the Great Patriotic War and the floral tribute ceremony at the Monument of Military and Valor passed in Penza on the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the war on Wednesday, June, 22nd. The representatives of the regional and municipal authorities, the clergy and also public associations and members of labor collectives took part in actions.

The vice-governor of the Penza region Sergey Zlatogorsky said: "During the days of the Great Patriotic War our people made a sacrifice for the altar of the future and it should unite us. Even after 200 years, the memory of these events will be alive".

According to the chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the region Alexander Gulyakov, he had victims in his family, as well as the majority of Russians.

He said: "This day is a sign, that we should never forget this war. We grieve and we remember, we remember also the contribution of the European states to this Victory and never should admit repetitions something similar. Remembering the past, we should look ahead".

The solemn ceremony of opening of the memorial plates devoted to the 61st shooting division will take place in Penza during the day.