In the capital of South Ossetia, at 23:35 sharp- the time when five years ago the Georgian troops launched a massive rocket and artillery bombardment of Tskhinval,- from the bell tower of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin rang the alarm bell in memory of the innocent victims of aggression and started the action "Living Light of Memory". Participants of the action lit candles in memory of the war dead- defenders of the Republic and the civilians.
President Leonid Tibilov addressed hundreds of residents of the Republic gathered on Theatre Square. He has said that the tragic events of August 2008 will remain forever in the memory of the Ossetian people.
"Today is the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the Georgian aggression against the people of South Ossetia. This is a sad, mournful date, which has become a milestone in the history of our country, as well as in the history of Russia, which came to our aid. We can talk a lot about outstanding heroism, displayed by the defenders of Tskhinval - Ossetian servicemen and home guards, Russian officers and soldiers. But we cannot find enough words for expressing the depth of the feat and self-sacrifice of the people, thanks to whom the Republic of South Ossetia did not surrender to the aggressor, and has become a recognized state. We are somehow the happy people because we witnessed how our country gained freedom, "- said the president.
Even in the most difficult, dark times, when everything was against South Ossetia, people of South Ossetia did not lose hope.
"The hope, the dream of freedom was the guiding star of a small country in the course of the 20 years struggle against Georgian aggressors who had overwhelming numerical superiority. Five years ago the struggle reached its climax. August 2008 seemed to concentrate in itself all the way passed by South Ossetia over the past two decades, "- said Leonid Tibilov. It is impossible to forget the days of August, which absorbed tremendous pain and unwavering courage, despair and faith, death and life.
"I'm proud that today I have the honor to address you as the President of the unconquered people, as a citizen of the Republic which had been fighting for 20 years and has withstood, as a resident of the hero-city of Tskhinval. Today people of South Ossetia have the opportunity to live in peace and develop the Republic. We have the full support of Russia, which has been taking an active part in all matters relating to our Republic. Just on such sad days, like today, we particularly realize that the development and prosperity of our country, the unity and cohesion of the South Ossetian society - is not only the goal of the leadership and people of South Ossetia. It is our common duty. South Ossetia must live, must become stronger to move forward. Everything is in our hands, and what will be the Republic tomorrow depends only on us,"- emphasized the president.
The action participants honored the memory of those killed in August 2008 by observing a minute of silence....
