Ilsur Metshin visited the veteran of the Great Patriotic War Sakhap Ilalov

Today, the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin personally congratulated Sakhap Salakhovich Ilalov -the 97-year-old resident of the capital of Tatarstan, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, on the occasion of the Victory Day. The head of the city came to visit the veteran on Kulakhmetova Street, where he lives with a daughter and her family.

Sakhap Ilalov met Ilsur Metshin in ceremonial uniform with orders and awards. The head of the city congratulated him on the occasion of the Victory Day. “You are our hero! Thank you for the blue sky above and the peaceful time in which we live today!” - he addressed the veteran.

During the meeting, Sakhap Ilalov told the guests about his rough life. He was born in 1924 in the village of Novoe Alparovo in Tatarstan. In 1940, he moved to Kazan, where he worked as an electrician at the “Kozhzavod” factory. He left for army in December 1942. He served in the artillery troops as a wireman, participated in the defense of Stalingrad. “I won't say it was scary. We didn't think about death, we just did our duty and lived in the hope that everything would end soon,”- Sakhap Ilalov recalled.

In May 1945, he was near Berlin. For his valiant service, Sakhap Ilalov was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War of the 2nd class, the medal “For Courage”. “We couldn't believe that the war was over. For a long time, I remembered the death of my comrades, the explosions of grenades – in general, adjusting to a peaceful life,”- the veteran said.

After the war, Sakhap Ilalov returned to Kazan, worked at the “TASMA” plant as an electrician. In 1984, he retired.

Despite his considerable age, the veteran actively participates in all events that are held during the Victory Day celebration. The veteran is surrounded by a loving family: a daughter, two grandchildren and one great-grandson, who support him.

This year Sakhap Ilalov turned 97 years old, the head of the city asked about the secret of his longevity. “I do exercises in the morning, I walk a lot outside, simple enough,”- he said.

Ilsur Metshin wished the veteran a long life, presented a greeting card on behalf of Tatarstan President and the Mayor of Kazan, as well as commemorative gifts.

A nice surprise for the veteran was a greeting from the team of propagandists of the Kirovsky and Moskovsky districts of Kazan. Young men in military uniforms staged a war song concert right under the window of his apartment.

“It is important that on the eve of 9 May, such festive events are held that unite the neighbors, all residents of the city. We should honor and remember the feat of the heroes, learn the younger generation by the example of the elders!” - Ilsur Metshin addressed the young people.

Before visiting the veteran, all the visitors were tested for coronavirus infection. Sergei Mironov, the head of the administration of the Kirovsky and Moscow districts, also congratulated the veteran.

There are 7,063 veterans of the Great Patriotic War living in Kazan, including 86 in the Kirovsky and Moskovsky districts. Volunteer teams congratulate them at home, give them gifts and arrange mini- concerts. On May 8, Kazan will host the “Parade at the Veteran's House” event– a parade of historical and modern military equipment through the streets of the city with congratulations to veterans at their homes.