I. Metshin: "Veterans are our priceless treasure!"

(Kazan, KZN.RU, March 19, by Adelya Galieva) An awards ceremony was held in Kazan City Hall, at which Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin gave medals commemorating 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to veterans and home front workers. The jubilee medal was also awarded to home front worker Fauzia Sadrieva, who marked her 90th birthday today.

Ilsur Metshin greeted the veterans who gathered in the main city hall on the eve of the upcoming holiday – Victory Day. "Very little time is left before the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory – the holiest holidays of our people. This day stands apart from the holidays and anniversaries of our country. We do not have another day like May 9," said the mayor.

The mayor thanked the veterans for their immortal feat of courage and heroism. "We will never forget those of our countrymen who gave their lives for their homeland, for peace in its vast expanses, for the peace and happiness of their relatives, friends and residents of the entire country," said Ilsur Metshin, recalling hundreds of thousands of Tatarstan natives who died in battle.

Special thanks were given to those who returned from the battlefield, ushering in a new battle – for the welfare of future generations. "After the war, you managed to rebuild the country in the shortest possible time. During the past 70 years, our city has achieved a lot in its socio-economic development; it blooms and becomes prettier from year to year, largely thanks to you," said the mayor, noting veterans' contribution to the country's prosperity.

"You persevered, you overcame, you won, and for us you are a living example of human resilience and love for one's country. You are our priceless treasure! We appreciate you, we are deeply grateful to you for all you have done for the city and its residents!" said the mayor addressing the veterans.

Ilsur Metshin emphasized that it was his great honor to greet the country's heroes on behalf of the president and the entire Russian people and give them the highest award – a commemorative medal "70 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945," established December 21, 2013 by decree of the head of state.

During the ceremony, commemorative medals were awarded to 59 veterans, each of whom has a life full of feats. Many of those who are in the City Hall today survived the siege of Leningrad, prison camps, fierce fighting at the front; they tirelessly worked in factories and enterprises of the country and yet have not lost optimism and strength of spirit, still keeping faith in tomorrow and proud military posture. For example, a World War veteran, Minnekhanif Nizamov, who was drafted into the Red Army in 1943 and served for 27 years, brought the house down when he marched onto the stage to get his medal.

The jubilee medal was also awarded to home front worker Fauzia Sadrieva, who marked her 90th birthday today. During the war, Fauzia Khayrullovna worked as a laborer at Plant No.144. Since 1947, for more than 44 years, she was an accountant at the "Gidrospetsstroy" trust and after retirement, was unable to leave her native company. At her age, she is trying to keep fit and advises the young to enjoy life more.

The ceremony was closed with a song that has come to symbolize May 9 - "Victory Day," to which everyone listened standing.