Penza, 2 February 2015. PenzaNews. Penza city has commemorated the victory over the Nazi army in the Battle of Stalingrad that took place in 1943. The official events were held on Monday, February 2.

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During the public rally, that took place at the Military and Labor Valor Monument on Pobedy prospekt, the public was addressed by Alexander Eremkin, deputy chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region.

“Young people need to understand and believe in the history told by adults, our mentors and teachers. The history, which has now been upside down, is untrue. The Soviet troops, the Soviet people had won. Glory to them! Our task is to maintain the strength of our country and not allow anyone to encroach on our Motherland,” he said.

The gathered were also addressed by the WWII veteran Vladimir Kerkhanadzhev, chairman of the City Veteran Council.

“Dear friends, comrades! I sincerely congratulate all of you and those fifty-three participants of the Battle of Stalingrad from our city with the seventy-second anniversary of the great victory. May we never forget the fallen heroes: as many as 650 thousand Soviet people died that day. Glory to those who live through this day. Long live to Russia!” Vladimir Kerkhanadzhev said.

During the event, which gathered representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, as well as students of cadet classes, the people commemorated the fallen heroes with a moment of silence, followed by the wreath-laying ceremony.