From Chechnya to Vladikavkaz, from North Ossetia to Armenia
In late March in North Ossetia a solemn ceremony took place at "The City of Military Glory" stele in which the members of the Russian
border agency for the region took charge of a cup symbolizing World War Two victory from their Chechen colleagues.
Teimuraz Mamsurov, the head of North Ossetia, regional government officials, the city administration, war veterans and law enforcement
employees gathered to meet the symbol of victory, which had already crossed the country from west to south.
There were book and photo exhibitions in the square, as well as concerts and a display of hand-to-hand combat. World War II veterans
were given the traditional shot of vodka.
The International Victory Relay started on 2 February in Grodno (Belarus), near the memorial to the Belarusian border guards of the
border districts, who were killed at the beginning of the war. The relay route goes along the state borders of the CIS member nations and
is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of victory in World War Two. The final destination is Moscow, Poklonnaya Hill, the Great Patriotic War
Museum, where the cups (the second started off from Murmansk) will occupy their places of honor.
The aim of the relay is to " immortalize the memory of the heroic exploit of border guards during the years of the war, to rear young
men in the best military traditions, to strengthen friendship and unity among brotherly peoples."
"All this year, all our actions and intentions were illuminated by thankfulness to those who protected our country from a ferocious
enemy,” Teimuraz Mamsurov said.
“In the village of Gizel, situated not far from here, on November 3, 1942 the students of our school of border guards saw their first
battle. This soil saw a great battle, and the students proved themselves real men and defenders of their homeland. We must be worthy
of their memory. We welcome the relay in the hospitable land of North Ossetia, and pledge that it is in safe hands,” he added.
In a few days, North Ossetia handed the Victory baton on to Armenia.
Tamara Bunturi, exclusively for the VC
