A memorial rally was held at the Zguder cemetery in South Ossetia, where the victims of one of the most tragic chapters of the Republic's modern history are buried. The event was timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Ered tragedy.
The memorial event was attended by the South Ossetian President Alan Gagloev, Russian Ambassador to the Republic Marat Kulakhmetov, members of the government, relatives of the victims, and members of the public.
The head of state has noted that the tragedy left the unhealed wound in the hearts of every resident of South Ossetia.
"The irreparable loss of the sons of Ossetia is our shared pain, which continues to linger over the years." "In the 1920s, the 1990s, and even in 2008, our people endured the most difficult trials. But ultimately, the truth prevailed. In 2008, Russia recognized our independence, and the Ossetian people could finally breathe freely," Alan Gagloev said.
The President has also drawn a parallel with the current events, noting that the Ossetian fighters are once again defending peace, fighting fascism in the special military operation zone, where, unfortunately, the Republic is also suffering losses.
Foreign Minister Akhsar Dzhioev has reminded the circumstances of the tragedy.
"On March 18, 1991, 12 Ossetian civilians were brutally murdered by the Georgian forces. For two and a half years, they were listed to be missing, and only after this time their remains discovered in a mass grave near the village and interred here," the Minister said.
Zarina Tedety, Chair of the Memory Committee for Families of the Victims and Missing, who lost her husband in that tragedy, shared her memories. At 37, she was left a widow with two small children.
"We weren't alone for these 35 years—the entire nation stood by us. Those young men we are commemorating today knew no rest. They stood in defense of their villages. They had virtually no weapons, but their souls burned for Ossetia," Tedety has emphasized.
The public figure and veteran police officer Tarzan Kokoity urged the younger generation to learn from history.
"We are a kind nation, but often our kindness turns against us. We must remember everything so that tragedies are not repeated. Our independence was bought with blood. We must strengthen our statehood," Kokoity said.
During the rally, the participants honored the memory of the victims with a moment of silence and laid wreaths and flowers at the graves.
Coniferous trees were previously planted at the site of the future memorial to the victims of the Ered tragedy.
