Among those present were veterans, widows of fallen soldiers, officers from the Ministry of Defense, and high-ranking officials of the city. The rally was attended by Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliev, Deputy Minister of Defense Almazbek Kulmurzaev, Colonel General Abdygul Chotbaev, as well as representatives of the Russian embassy.
Although the official part of the event was brief, it was filled with significance. The Deputy Minister of Defense announced a commendation issued by the Prime Minister to the members of the "Republican Council of Veterans of the Afghan War." In addition, veterans received financial assistance of 250,000 soms from the reserve fund.
The rally concluded with the traditional laying of wreaths at the monument, where hundreds of carnations were placed—a symbol of mourning and remembrance for the decade-long war that claimed the lives of 15,000 Soviet soldiers.
This date holds special significance for Kyrgyzstan. A total of 7,141 Kyrgyzstanis participated in the Afghan events. Many did not return home, and those who survived the war forever retained the spirit of brotherhood. About 250 individuals were awarded combat medals for their displayed heroism. Their feat is not only reflected in history textbooks but also lives on in the memory of the people, bringing them together at the memorial in Ata-Türk Park every year.
