A Soviet victory is remembered in a former Soviet Republic

Courtesy Photo | Nina Mjasnikova evacuated wounded soldiers from the front lines for four years during World War II. She proudly wore her war medals to the Victory Day celebration in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN

05.23.2006

Courtesy Story

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Sgt. 1st Class Mike Wetzel
Third U.S. Army Public Affairs Office

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - Recalling memories is a difficult task for many people in their 80's, but Nina Mjasnikova is a gushing fountain of words when asked about her service in World War II.

"We were hit by a missile, but it didn't explode," Mjasnikova says in excited tones. Her bright eyes beam a youthful exuberance in sharp contrast to her otherwise weather, wrinkled face. "It was nighttime, and the building was damaged. We were frightened to death, but immediately started to evacuate the soldiers."

Mjasnikova evacuated injured Soviet troops for four years on the edge of one of the most savage battlefronts the world has known. A modest reward for her past struggle is the yearly opportunity known as Victory Day to display an impressive collection of war medals on her blue blazer and tell her even more impressive collection of war stories to awed youth (that term describing anybody under the age of 61).

May 9 marked the 61st anniversary of the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan has broken many ties with the past since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and embarking down the long path to become a successful democracy. But Victory Day is one Soviet accomplishment remembered and revered, and the celebration in capital city's Victory Square attracted thousands to watch today's Kyrgyz Armed Forces diligently present wreaths at the square's eternal flame, to meet Mjasnikova and dozens of her fellow wartime heroes, and to hear a speech from Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.

The President's spokesman, Dusaly Esensliev, said Victory Day is one of the most important holidays in Kyrgyzstan.

"Almost every family came across the horrors of the war," said Esensliev. As if proof to this was needed, Esensliev talked about his own grandfather, who never returned from the war. "I never saw him. We don't even know where he is buried. We don't have any information about him."

This kind of story is terribly typical. "Everyone remembers because almost every family lost a relative in World War II," says Esensliev. "People will remember their losses forever. That's why this war and victory is very important for us."

After the ceremony, many veterans and guests walked over to large tents set up behind Victory Square. They sang loudly, toasted plastic cups of vodka, and took a nibble of old-fashioned field rations. Cooks served up bowls of buckeye and meat porridge, scooping the mush out of green food containers that were large enough to be pulled around as wheeled trailers.

A handful of Third Army Soldiers were in Bishkek for a theater security cooperation public affairs information exchange, and attended Victory Day events as guests of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense.

Maj. Sarah Goodson, from Columbia City, Ind., said it was an honor to meet the veterans. "The losses that they took were incredibly sad, and their pride in serving their country is so obvious," she said.

Guljaev Mikhailovich was a parachutist and commander of a small radio station that provided connections between divisions and regiments during the war. "We don't need war," Mikhailovich said as he sat with another veteran in the limited shade provided by camouflage netting strung up for the event. "We want to enjoy the clear and peaceful sky over our heads. We want our children to not know war. The main thing in the world is peace."

Mikhailovich and his friend said they are happy with privileges they receive as war veterans, such as discounts on utility bills, and that veterans" boards are established in the city districts to look after their interests. However, Kyrgyzstan is still a poor country with many economic needs to address in addition to the plight of its aging veterans. Nina Mjasnikova, who survived that missile attack and all other sorts of dangerous situations on the frontlines, doesn't seem phased by her country's current woes.

"Our republic and our independence are very young," she said. "Of course we have a lot of difficulties now, problems to solve. But I know for sure we'll cope with everything and we'll overcome. If we were able to win the war, we are able to overcome all our present difficulties."

Mjasnikova stays at Victory Square long after the speeches ended and the last flowers were placed at the eternal flame. The short woman stands tall with that treasure trove pinned to her blue blazer, and while her flame is not eternal, she doesn't look ready to miss a Victory Day opportunity to tell her war stories to awed youth anytime soon.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2006
• Date Posted: 05.23.2006 10:58
• Story ID: 6483
• Location: BISHKEK, KG