The Contribution of Armenians in the Great Patriotic War

• 02.23.2019, 14:59
•  EEU,  World,  Armenia

According to the tradition, on February 23 Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan celebrate the Day of Defender of the Fatherland. In the Soviet Union this day was considered a national holiday and called the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. February 23 was celebrated with especially solemnity in the Armenian SSR. First of all, it is connected with the contribution of the Armenian people both in the development of the Soviet army, and the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Speaking about the fate of the Armenians in the bloodiest war of the XX century, Marshal Zhukov wrote: "In the victory over fascism, Armenians starting from the ordinary people, ending with marshals, immortalized their names with the glory of brave warriors."

During the war, six national Armenian divisions were formed: 89th, 408th, 409th, 261^st, 76th and 390th. Except the 261^st division, the rest took part in the fighting. It should be noted that only national division in the Armed Forces of the USSR that took part in the assault on Berlin, was the 89th Armenian Taman Infantry Division. It was the soldiers of this division that after taking Berlin, danced a victory dance "Kochari" at the Reichstag walls.

During the war and after it, 66,802 Armenians (8th place in the Soviet Union statistics) were awarded with medals and orders, of which 106 became Heroes of the Soviet Union. In addition, 27 Armenians became full gentlemen of the Order of Glory. In World War II 64 Armenian-Generals directly participated in heading military operations.

Let’s remember the names and titles of the most famous and talented Armenian military leaders who have made a great contribution in the victory over Nazi Germany. In 1955, Ivan Bagramyan was awarded the title of Marshal of the Soviet Union, and Ivan Isakov - Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union. In 1975 Hamazasp Babajanyan was given the rank of Chief Marshal of Armored Forces, and in 1980 Sergei Aganov - Marshal of Engineering Troops.

Although February 23 in Armenia is not an official holiday, here out of habit, many congratulate men on the Day of Defender of the Fatherland. Traditionally on this day, representatives of the state structures of the Republic and the Russian Embassy in Armenia visit the Victory Park to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is noteworthy that the younger generation of Armenia, which has grown in an independent country, also considers February 23 a holiday.