In Memory of Kazakh Soldiers Who Fell in France

Valleroy, May 6, 2024 – On the eve of Victory Day, Anel Bakytbekkyzy, the Consul General of Kazakhstan in Strasbourg, visited the commune of Valleroy (Meurthe-et-Moselle Department) and paid tribute to the Kazakh soldiers who fell during World War II on French soil.

The wreath-laying ceremony at the Soviet soldiers' memorial was attended by the Mayor of the commune, Christian Lamorlette, the memorial management, as well as local residents and activists, who emphasized the importance of the heroic deeds of the Kazakh soldiers in the struggle for the freedom of France.

During the discussion that followed the ceremony, the Consul General of Kazakhstan highlighted the historical importance of the memorial complex and expressed her gratitude to the local administration and residents for their respectful attitude towards the soldiers' memorial site. It is noteworthy that a Peace Apple Tree, brought from Kazakhstan and planted in 2021 near the graves of Kazakh soldiers, grows on the memorial grounds.

In discussing the war years, the Kazakh diplomat mentioned that 1.2 million Kazakhs were called to serve in the Red Army, more than 600,000 of whom perished on the warfront and never returned home. It was emphasized that during the war years, Kazakhstan transformed into a powerful arsenal for the front lines, as the Republic's economy was oriented towards military needs. "The contribution of Kazakhs to Victory played a key role in supplying the army, as 9 out of 10 bullets were made from Kazakh lead," - Bakytbekkyzy emphasized.

At the end of the meeting, in discussing bilateral cooperation, the parties highlighted the importance of potential celebratory events to honor the upcoming 80^th Anniversary of the Victory in 2025.

The memorial for Soviet soldiers established in 1971 and the cemetery of Valleroy commune house the graves of Kazakh soldiers Zeinulla Alimgaziev, Konyspek Zhakiianov, Mysakhan (Nishan) Turgambaev, and Isin (Esen) Dzhumagulov, who were discovered in 2018 thanks to the work of Professor G.Mendikulova with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France. Later, the graves of Kazakh soldiers Nikolay Mikhailovich Shcheglov from East Kazakhstan and Alexander Ivanovich Kosobokov from North Kazakhstan were identified.