On May 9, Kazakhstan commemorates the 79th anniversary of Victory in the
World War II. There are 148 veterans living in the country, with two of them from
the city of Shymkent. Despite his advanced age of 99, Murataly Tolepbergenuly is
full of vigor. He participated in battles in Warsaw and Perleberg, and welcomed
victory in Wittenberg. The veteran recalls witnessing the most dreadful
nightmares firsthand and calls on the younger generation to remember the heroes
and preserve peace.
“I still remember fighting on the 2nd Belorussian Front. I was among the
soldiers who participated in the liberation of Polish cities from fascist
invaders, in the historic city of Wismar,” said Tolepbergenuly.
During the war, Nina Mossunova commanded an entire group of female radio
operators and even reached Berlin. Recently, she celebrated her 100th birthday.
The veteran prefers not to reminisce about the difficult wartime years.
“I prefer not to talk about the war. I don’t feel well when I remember it.
I really don’t want to,” said Mossunova.
Veterans have Victory Day scheduled down to the minute. Every hour, caring
people come to congratulate the frontline soldiers with flowers and gifts, expressing
their gratitude for the peaceful skies and tranquil life.