80 years ago, on June 22, 1941, the Great Patriotic War began, the bloodiest and most destructive event in world history, began. Early in the morning, when the proms were just over, the fascist invaders treacherously, without declaring war, interrupted the peaceful life of the Soviet people.

On this day, we remember the hardest trials that befell our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. At the same time, we fully feel the patriotic rise of the Soviet people during the war, and we tell the younger generations about it to preserve forever the memory of the selfless love for the Motherland of our ancestors.

Ulyanovsk also fought heroically against fascism. Many of them reached Berlin, showed courage in battles and took part in the historic parade on Red Square. Some remained forever on the fields of those battles. Honor and glory to them!

Sincere gratitude to those who are among us now. More than 8.5 thousand veterans of the Great Patriotic War, more than six thousand home front workers, more than two thousand widows of veterans and 66 thousand children of the war, 53 survivors of siege and  Leningrad defense participants, 87 children -   fascism prisoners live in the Ulyanovsk region. Each of us, living today thanks to their heroic deed, is obliged to do everything possible for the well-being of our honored veterans, those who gave us peace and Victory.

Dear region residents! With all my heart I wish you the strongest health, happiness, love and long life!

Acting Governor of the Ulyanovsk Region Alexey RUSSKIKH.