On the eve of Independence Day, it has become a tradition to honor the memory of our forefathers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Motherland. Since 2001, on the initiative of President Islam Karimov, August 31 is celebrated in Uzbekistan as the Day of Remembrance of Repression Victims.

The Shahidlar Hotirasi memorial complex in the capital Tashkent is the display of deep respect and reverence for the memory of our compatriots who fell victim to repression during the colonial regime. Visits to such holy places purifies our souls, encourages us to think about the eternity of good. However, these places of worship are the centers of spirituality and education, facilitating a greater awareness of the younger generation about the idea of national independence, urging them not to forget the lessons of the past and appreciate the current peaceful and harmonious life, the wellbeing and prosperity.

In the early hours of August 31, 2012, the Shahidlar Hotirasi memorial complex hosted a special event dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of Repression Victims.

The occasion was attended by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The memory of the ancestors is sacred. Expressing respect for the memory of the victims of repressions, we once again are convinced of the eternal and great power of the good, and are confident that justice will prevail. Remembering our courageous and determined fellows, we have become more aware of the nature and significance of the current free, independent and prosperous life of their dreams.

A people who know little of their own history have a grim future. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the independence and reinforce it, to educate young people in a spirit of loyalty and devotion to the country. They must be able to distinguish the good from the evil, the right from the wrong. No one can beat a generation whose consciousness is deeply imbued with patriotism, with a broad outlook, a comprehensive knowledge and vigilance.

The museum of victims of repressions, erected in the memorial complex, became a center of spirituality and enlightenment, calling on our people, especially the younger generation, to a more thorough study of history, learning from the past, the ability to appreciate today’s bright days. The team of the museum regularly updates the exhibits, replenishes the stocks with valuable documents attesting to the thorny years. It has become a tradition to hold meetings with representatives of the older generation, and enquire into the lessons of history and spirituality.

At a gathering with religious leaders and members of the public, the head of our state spoke about historical memory, successes achieved in the years of independence, the life of our people, about transformation in lifestyle and people’s thinking.

The tragic events currently taking place in a range of regions of the world, particularly the Arab countries, shall concern any reasonable person, said the President. The various conflicts, confrontations, bloodshed, wherever in the world they occur, hitch our hearts.

It would be naive to believe that such events are far away and therefore scarcely concern us. Such types of events are not limited to one country or region, and if one fails to take timely action, they can spread to other countries and regions. Therefore, it is always necessary to be vigilant, to appreciate today's peaceful, calm and happy life in our country. Each person should contribute to the consolidation of peace and stability, live with a sense of involvement in the fate and the future of their country.

In this regard, President Islam Karimov once again drew attention to the tricky situation in the neighboring Afghanistan. Uzbekistan is a supporter of the soonest resolution of conflict going on in this country for more than thirty years, its recovery and stable development. In a word, our people, who live with the noble and good aspirations, wish peace and stability to all countries and peoples of the world.

We cannot become careless after achieving peace and harmony in the country. You always have to be vigilant, said Islam Karimov. Those who think that the preservation, protection of peace and tranquility is the task to be addressed by certain services are sadly mistaken. In this way all must work together. The words ‘our home and we must take care of it’ bear a deep meaning, as we all must fight for peace.

Religious figures must make a reasonable contribution to boosting awareness campaigns among the public, especially young people, to stress the need to cherish the peace and stability established in our country, to discuss the events occurring in various regions of the world.

Keeping every inch of the native land as the very great value, not spearing oneself for the defense of peace and stability, increasing the potential of the homeland are the sacred duty of all of us, every person living in Uzbekistan.

There is a deep meaning in the fact that we take a pride when talking about the successes our people achieved since independence, the lofty goals, peace and harmony in the country, being here at this monument erected to honor the sacred memory of our great ancestors, who gave their lives for the freedom of their country, President Islam Karimov concluded. Thus, we express our deep appreciation to our marvelous forefathers and say: “Your most cherished dreams and the noblest aspirations have come true, as the independent Uzbekistan has been developing dynamically and moving forward with a confident gait; your descendants today are the real masters of their country, they live a happy and prosperous life.”

Later that day, President Islam Karimov traveled to the Independence Square and laid flowers at the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which is a symbol of freedom, bright future and noble aspirations.

Flowers to the monument were also laid by members of Oliy Majlis, Cabinet of Ministers, ministries, agencies and the public.