A ceremony honoring Great Patriotic War veteran Vladimir Ivanovich Gromov, who celebrated his 100th birthday today, was held at the Palace of the Republic in Tiraspol.
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky came to congratulate the veteran on his centenary. The event was attended by First President of the PMR Igor Smirnov, Supreme Council Chairperson Tatyana Zalevskaya, Deputy Chairman of the Government Vitaly Neagu, Advisor to the PMR President Pavel Prokudin, representatives of state authorities and public organizations, and the veteran's family and friends.
The President noted that this anniversary is not only a personal event but also a significant date for the entire Pridnestrovian people. Vadim Krasnoselsky recalled the veteran's difficult life: the hard work of his youth, his years at the front, the country's recovery after the war, and the losses and trials he endured. Vladimir Ivanovich retained at the same time the bright character, modesty, and fortitude that distinguished the generation of victors, said the PMR President.
Vadim Krasnoselsky emphasized that the veterans' heroism remains an indisputable truth, despite attempts to revise history. He stated that it was soldiers like Vladimir Gromov who made a decisive contribution to the victory over Nazism and fascism, and this contribution cannot be distorted. Vadim Krasnoselsky wished the hero of the day good health, high spirits, and new encounters, emphasizing that every day is a treasure and a continuation of his life's achievement.
Vladimir Ivanovich, remaining true to his modesty, speaks of the war years with restraint, but always maintains a positive outlook. The veteran in a conversation with the President noted with a smile that he kept his promise to live to see his centenary. According to the Decree of the PMR President, Vladimir Ivanovich Gromov was awarded the Order of Suvorov, 1st Class, for outstanding service in defending the Fatherland and for his role in patriotic education of youth.
The special atmosphere of the celebration was enhanced by numerous congratulations. Warm words were addressed to the hero of the day from government officials, the public, family, and friends. A surprise was a video greeting from People's Artists of Russia Nadezhda Babkina and Alexander Rosenbaum, as well as from Victory Day volunteers in Pridnestrovie, who noted that Vladimir Ivanovich is an example of courage, a true man whom many look up to.
Historical background:
Vladimir Ivanovich Gromov was called up to the front in 1943, when he turned 17. He served as a machine gunner in the 8th Guards Panfilov Division of the 2nd Baltic Front, participating in the liberation of the Baltic states and the defeat of the German Courland Group. He was awarded for his courage the Order of Glory, 3rd Class, the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd Class, and other military awards. he continued serving in the airborne troops after the war, and in 1950 he moved to Tiraspol, where he worked for many decades in the city's factories.
