In Smolensk was paid the tribute to the memory of the Russians which have carried out military duty exteriorly home country

Meeting devoted to the Day of memory of the Russians which have carried out military duty exteriorly home country was held in Smolensk. This Day was settled by Presidential Decree from the 2-nd. of December 2010 and coincides with the Day of final withdraw of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in 1989.

In this arrangement participated Sergey Antufiev - Governor of Smolensk region, Franz Klintsevich - Deputy of State Duma, the Head of All-Russian Veterans Union, Anatoliy Mishnev - Chairman of regional Duma, peacekeeping soldiers, military of Smolensk garrison, inhabitants of city and region.

Public organizations working in our region not only consolidate veterans and invalids of war in Afghanistan and other countries and members of their families but also fulfill very important function of mutual aid and solidarity. They al accord assistance to bereaved families and veterans.

The fact that celebration of the Day of memory of the Russians which have carried out military duty exteriorly home was made on state level points acknowledgement of great services of our military which carried their military duty with honor in hot spots where by our country there were and there are strategic interests.

After memorial service audiences have paid the tribute to the memory of dead servicemen with moment of silence, laid wreaths and flowers to peacekeeping soldiers’ monument.

For reference use

Soviet troops were placed in Afghanistan during 9 years, 1 month and 18 days.

More than 15 thousand of our soldiers and officers were lost, 6 thousand died subsequently from wounds and diseases, 311 were missing.

Almost 5 thousand natives of Smolensk executed internationalist duty in Afghanistan 90 people were lost.