Day of the city of Bendery liberation from the German-Romanian invaders

Dear residents of Bendery, veterans of the Great Patriotic War,

rear workers!

I congratulate you on the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the city of Bendery from the German-Romanian invaders on behalf of the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic!

The 23rd of August, 1944 is a memorable day in our history, the city of Bendery was liberated from the German-Romanian invaders by the troops of the Soviet Army during the Iasi-Chisinau operation on this day.

More than 3 thousand Soviet soldiers died in the battles for Bendery, they were buried on the Heroes' Square in the mass grave of the Pantheon of Glory. Their names are carved on granite slabs. An eternal flame burns at the entrance, which keeps the warmth of the hearts of the dead. The names of the heroes are immortalized in the names of the streets.

The first to enter the liberated city were the soldiers of the combined detachment of the 93rd and 223rd rifle divisions under the general command of Lieutenant Colonel Ermakov. Not a single one of those small industrial enterprises that operated before the war survived in Bendery. Cannery, brewery, distillery, mills, butter churns, power plant and water supply were destroyed and plundered. Social and cultural institutions, schools, libraries, cinemas, kindergartens, hospitals and pharmacies, bakeries and workshops were destroyed. The housing stock was destroyed by 80%. The construction of the city began from scratch after the war in fact and the people of Bendery coped, the city was restored by common efforts.

79 years have passed since that terrible time when the fascist evil spirits left our land forever, tragically taking with them the lives of our citizens, civilians, the elderly and children. The memory of our heroes will forever be kept in our hearts. We will never forget the price that this victory cost us, and with trepidation we will pass on to the younger generation the truth and memory of this bloody war.

We pay tribute to our heroes who fought and died at the cost of their own lives for the sake of our bright and happy future on this significant day.

I wish all the people of Bendery peaceful sky over their heads, good health to you and your loved ones, happiness, prosperity and all the best!

Chairman of the Supreme Council

of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic

Alexander Korshunov