Ilsur Metshin congratulates veterans on their 65th anniversary of married life

(Kazan, KZN.RU, October 7, by Zilya Gayfi). A veteran of the Great Patriotic War, Alexander Andreyevich Babichev, and a veteran of labor, Gertruda Aleksandrovna Nikitina, celebrated their 65th anniversary of married life. Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin was among the first to congratulate the heroes of the day on their iron wedding.

Alexander Andreyevich and Gertruda Aleksandrovna met in 1945 at the Kazan Art School, which both of them attended. They got married October 7, 1949, and they had a son and daughter later. Today, they are raising five great-grandchildren.

Alexander Andreyevich and Gertruda Aleksandrovna epitomize creative intelligentsia. They have worked for many years in the field of Kazan's culture and education. Alexander Babichev gave 20 years  of his life to Children's Art School No. 2, including 14 years as director. Gertruda Nikitina worked at the same school for 24 years, teaching drawing, painting and composition. The spouses were prolific painters, and some of their works can be seen in the Museum of Fine Arts of Tatarstan and on the "Art and Culture in Tatarstan" website. 

The Kazan mayor noted that the 65th wedding anniversary was a good example to others. "I congratulate you with all my heart, it really is an event that we could not ignore. This is a good example not only for your children, but also for your grandchildren, neighbors and acquaintances. You suffered the hardships of post-war life, survived the collapse of the Soviet Union, the emergence of a new Russia and perestroika. There's little that you haven't seen, and, thank God, today you are like two turtle doves sitting together, that's impressive! May you find delight in your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!" said the mayor, promising the veterans to come to their 70th wedding anniversary.