Penza, 27 December 2012. PenzaNews. Commemorative events dedicated to 33th anniversary of entry of Soviet troops into the Republic of Afghanistan were held in Penza on Thursday, December 27. The traditional morning meeting near the monument “Razorvannaya Zvezda” (Torn Star) in Prospect Pobedy Street was attended by veterans and representatives of the regional and city authorities.

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“Today we gathered here to pay the tribute to the memory of those who gave their lives defending the honor of our Motherland. We will keep the memory of those people in our hearts forever,” said the chairman of the board of the regional organization “Russian Union of Afghanistan Veterans” Vladimir Holzinev.

He added that on this day those who survived pay the tribute to all the heroes who defended their country and died on the battlefield – in Chechen war, Abkhaz and other military conflicts.

Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region Yana Kuprina noted that in almost every Russian family there are people who took part in the fighting.

“Each period is characterized by its own war. I had no relatives who served in Afghanistan, but during the Chechen war I learned how it feels to worry, wait and pray daily. On behalf of all sisters, daughters, mothers and wives, I would like to thank all those present for they protected their families and families of other people. Low bow to you,” she said.

In turn, the City Duma deputy Vladimir Mutovkin stressed that at all times – from the Tatar-Mongol invasion to the present day – Russian soldier was famous for his courage, bravery and heroism.

Veterans and combatants were handed out awards in a solemn ceremony, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument Torn Star and then at the memorial complex Afghan Gate.

Besides, according to the tradition, veterans of local wars visited the graves of their fallen comrades.

According to official data, 5,197 thousand natives of the Penza region took part in the fighting in Afghanistan. 116 of them were killed, 6 — missing, 319 — seriously wounded and shell-shocked.

Soviet troops entered Afghanistan in December 1979. The last column left the territory of the Republic on 15 February 1989.