The "Candle of Memory" event, dedicated to the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, took place at the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri

ArmInfo. On the parade ground of the 102nd Russian Military Base in the Southern Military District, hundreds of flickering lights formed a single number: 1418. That's how many days and nights the Soviet people's journey to the Great Victory lasted. The "Candle of Remembrance" event, dedicated to the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow—the start of the Great Patriotic War—was held in Gyumri.

According to the press service of the Russian House, the base's servicemen lit candles and formed a symbolic composition commemorating each day of the arduous trials that befell the victorious generation. The minutes of silence and the light of the lights served as a tribute to the millions of people who gave their lives for the freedom and future of their country.

"June 22, 1941, marked the beginning of a long and terrifying journey to Victory. A journey that lasted 1,418 days and nights of courage, fortitude, and heroism. We, today's defenders of the Fatherland, uphold the military traditions of our ancestors, perfect our high skills, and prove through daily service that we are worthy of the heroism of our grandfathers," noted Lieutenant Colonel Viktor Bondarev, Acting Chief of Staff of the 102nd Russian Military Base.

Poems recited from the stage added a special atmosphere to the commemorative event. Lines about the soldiers' courage, the strength of the human spirit, the price of peace, and the grateful memory of descendants reminded us that the heroism of the war generation continues to live in the hearts of people decades later.

"Today, in a moment of sorrow, yet at the same time, of great gratitude filling our hearts, we—the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Victory—bow our heads in memory of those who gave us the sun and the sky, life and freedom, love, and sincere pride for our homeland. Fate and history have taught us a crucial lesson for all humanity. Our task today is to do everything possible to ensure it is not forgotten," emphasized Daria Bocharova, Director of the Russian House in Gyumri.

The memorial events continued at the Church of the Holy Martyr Queen Alexandra. Priest Timofey Kazaryan, Assistant to the Base Commander for Work with Faithful Military Personnel, performed a memorial litany for those who died during the Great Patriotic War.

The "Candle of Memory" event served as yet another reminder of the unbreakable bond between generations, the price of peace, and the sacred duty to preserve the historical memory of events that forever changed the fates of millions of people.