Penza, 23 February 2016. PenzaNews. The Penza region governor Ivan Belozertsev has congratulated the veterans of the Second World War and the Armed Forces, soldiers of the Russian Army and Fleet with Defender’s Day celebrated on Tuesday, February 23.

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“This wonderful holiday symbolizes the unfading glory of splendid victories of our army and fleet, the legacy of heroism, courage, resilience and patriotism shown by our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, carefully passed down to us,” noted the head of the region.

He expressed particular gratitude to the veterans – those who won the Second World War, protected the peace after the war and carried out their internationalist military duty with dignity.

“The soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces follow your legacy. They faithfully and loyally serve to the Fatherland, strengthen its defensive power, strongly rebuff the challenges and threats of terror. I am assured this will continue. My dear friends, I wish you sound health, prosperity and happiness, success in all your plans, new achievements for the good of Russia and the Penza region,” the press service of the regional government quotes Ivan Belozertsev.