Georgia marks 71st anniversary of end of WWII

Georgia is today celebrating the 71st anniversary of Victory Day when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Soviet Union to mark the end of the Second World War.

A surrender document was signed in Berlin, Germany in the late evening on May 8, 1945, which was early morning on May 9 in Eastern European time, which is why Victory Day is celebrated today in Georgia. Other countries in Western Europe mark the occasion annually on May 8.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said every Georgian citizen should bow their heads in respect of the war veterans and those who sacrificed their lives to the world peace. Photo by the Prime Minister's webpage.  

In Tbilisi each year on this date WWII veterans, state officials and the general public gather at Vake Park to commemorate the day and lay wreaths at the memorial of the Unknown Soldiers who served in Georgia’s Armed Forces (GAF). 

Today was no different. From mid-morning people from all walks of life gathered at Vake Park to remember those who died and survived while serving their country.

A photo exhibition at the Vake Park dedicated to the WWII. Photo by the Prime Minister's webpage. 

More than 750,000 Georgians served in WWII and more than 300,000 died. 

Latest Census data revealed almost 2,200 WWII veterans are still alive. Georgian authorities congratulated the veterans at today’s special occasion.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said every Georgian citizen should bow their heads in respect to the people who served in WWII and other wars for their "unprecedented heroism”. 

Their ultimate sacrifice made it possible to end fascism. It is our big obligation to nod before the people who sacrificed their lives and health for future generations to live in a peaceful world,” he said, adding every citizen was responsible to care about veterans who were still alive. 

At today’s commemoration Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili added the Soviet’s victory over Nazi Germany was mankind’s "biggest victory over evil”. 

President met and spoke with veterans at Vake Park. Photo by the President's webpage. 

We can very proudly say that Georgia, a small nation, was a part of this victory,” said the President. 

Head of General Staff of the GAF Vakhtang Kapanadze said: "the whole of Europe and the world owed Georgia” as the country contributed to the Soviet victory in WWII. 

Click here to see the ‘Heroes of WWII’ gallery on Agenda.ge by Nino Alavidze.