Penza, 6 May 2016. PenzaNews. The “Penza” cinema and concert hall has hosted an official assembly dedicated to the 71st anniversary of the Great Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War (the Eastern Front of the Second World War). The event took place on Friday, May 6.

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It was preceded by a parade march of the Penza Artillery Engineering Institute on the Yubileynaya square, which featured an exhibition of military arms and machines, Soldier 101 workshops and field kitchen for visitors.

In addition, the cinema and concert hall hosted several exhibitions in the foyer, such as a children’s drawings exhibition “Grandpa, Thank You For The Victory!” and a painting showcase of the Savitsky Painting College “We Remember! We Are Proud!”

In an address to the assembly audience, the Penza region governor Ivan Belozertsev pointed out that May 9 is a special celebration for Russia.

“This is the day of pride for the feats of valor of the war years, for the strength of spirit and patriotism of the millions who successfully protected their right to live, bring up children and grand children, be citizens of a free country. 71 years have passed since the victorious May 1945. In comes the fourth generation of the people who know not of the burden and horror of the war. Years will pass, but our hearts will forever treasure the memories of the valor of our ancestors, grandfathers, fathers, and Victory Day will remain the symbol of courage and greatness of our people, the symbol of Russia’s unwavering dignity,” he said.

Today, the youth preserve the customs of the previous generations with dignity and lead by example through mastering the cutting-edge arms and honestly carrying out their duties of service to the Fatherland, stressed the head of the region.

“I believe that if the times call, our soldiers, all our people will once again rise to protect our native land. The burden of war is not just our history, but also an invaluable lesson for the future. And may that stay away certain Western politicians who today clamor for further NATO expansion to the East, caught by delusions of our country’s alleged weakness. We have enough strength to tame the temper of any aggressor. The example of the Great Victory shows us that only courage and resilience, and friendship between all peoples in Russia will safeguard our Fatherland,” Ivan Belozertsev pointed out.

In turn, Valery Lidin, chairman of the Penza region Legislative Assembly, expressed his gratitude to the veterans for “carrying the truth about the Great Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War for our young generation.”

Folloiwing that, Vladimir Kerkhanadzhev, veteran of the Battle for Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, chairman of the city council of war, labor, military and law enforcement veterans, also spoke to the audience and wished everying to be happy and prosperous.

“The living soldiers of the Great Patriotic War and the homefront workers bequeath you this: safeguard our Russia like the apple of your eye […] so that Russia would live on for thousands of years. […] Glory to the victors, and happy lives to descendants of the victors!” he said.

The assembly concluded with a festive concert.