Penza, 5 September 2013. PenzaNews. The participants of the Russian social-patriotic marathon “Strong in Spirit” held a meeting at the memorial complex “Afghan gates” in Penza on Thursday, September 5.

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Welcoming the participants, the deputy chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region Alexander Eremkin expressed his gratitude to the veterans for their courage in defending the interests of the state.

“Not only during the war but also in peaceful time you show an example of courage to our younger generation,” he said.

In turn, the chairman of Penza regional branch of the Russian public organization of disabled of war in Afghanistan Andrei Sakmaev noted that the people who came to the Penza region as participants of the marathon are those who lost a lot in life, including health, but remained unbroken.

“I bow before you. You spread your love of life all around us,” he said.

Andrei Sakmaev added that the memorial complex “Afghan gates,” which was selected for the meeting is a symbol of commitment of people who managed to get through the war.

“This monument was built by the veterans of the war in Afghanistan without state funding. This proves yet again that the people strong in spirit can set a goal and succeed,” he stressed.