Andijan regional administration

May 9 — Day of Memory and Honor

The horrors of World War II engulfed many countries and nations. The Uzbek people also lost thousands of their brave sons in this war.

Within the ranks of the former Soviet Army, Uzbek soldiers — particularly fighters from Andijan — demonstrated courage and heroism in the struggle against fascism. During World War II, Andijan natives such as Ostanakul Shokirov, Osman Yakubov, Abdulaziz Yuldashev, Tukhtasin Mirzaev, Gulom Yakubov, and Sulgi Lutfullin were awarded the highest distinction of that era — the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

Today, three participants of World War II and nearly 200 home-front labor veterans live in Andijan region, surrounded by the respect and care of the people.

One of the compatriots who returned alive from the battlefields of World War II is Umarali Otaboev, who lives in the Bobur neighborhood of Pakhtaabad district. He recently celebrated his 101st birthday. In August 1942, he was mobilized to the front. In October 1944, he was wounded in battle and treated in a military hospital before returning to the front again. In February 1945, he was wounded once more during combat and underwent treatment again. He celebrated Victory Day while in the hospital.

Another compatriot who survived the fiery battlefields of World War II is Abdugani Gapporov, who lives in the Uchtepa neighborhood of Buloqboshi district. He was mobilized to the war at the age of seventeen. From the beginning of the war in 1941 until Victory Day, he fought bravely against invaders on various fronts, displaying outstanding heroism and courage. Today, at the age of 102, he lives a respected life surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and fellow villagers.

Imin Temirov, a 101-year-old resident of Namuna Street in the Pakhtakor neighborhood of Marhamat district, also returned safely from the war. After graduating from school in 1942, he went to the front at the age of 17. Serving in an artillery military unit, he participated in the liberation of Belarus and Poland.

At the beginning of 1945, the military unit in which he served was sent to the Far East, to Sakhalin. He took part in battles against Japanese militarists on the Kuril Islands. After the war ended, he continued serving for five more years in a military unit on Sakhalin. He finally returned home after eight years.

People such as Umarali Otaboev, Abdugani Gapporov, and Imin Temirov are living heroes among us. Their bravery, courage, heroism, and exemplary life stories serve as a true school of inspiration for present and future generations.

It is our duty to honor and value these respected individuals who demonstrated courage and heroism on the battlefields of World War II and who today live surrounded by the love and respect of their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors, and the entire nation, praying for peace, prosperity, and well-being for the country.

Recently, congratulations from our President were delivered to the heroes of the nation who showed bravery on the battlefields, and they were presented with gifts and monetary awards.