Moldova marks 35 years of independence as regional allies visit
Moldovan leaders and war veterans laid flowers at national memorials in Chișinău on Thursday to commemorate fallen defenders as the country marked the 35th anniversary of its independence.
The official ceremony at the "Sorrowful Mother" monument inside the capital's "Eternitate" Memorial Complex opened with a moment of silence and military gun salutes, followed by the national anthem.
President Maia Sandu led the tribute alongside Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu and Prime Minister Vasile Tofan. They were joined by top security officials, including Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) Director Alexandru Musteață, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, and Internal Affairs Minister Daniela Misail-Nichitin.
"We must all understand that this did not happen on its own; we have a state thanks to the sacrifice of many who put their lives on the line in 1992 to defend Moldova's independence," Sandu said, paying tribute to veterans and pioneers of the national liberation movement from the Soviet Union.
Moldova declared independence on Aug. 27, 1991, following a vote by 278 lawmakers that was endorsed by massive pro-democracy rallies. The original declaration document, burned during anti-communist unrest in April 2009, was reconstituted and re-signed by parliamentarians in 2010.
Commemorations will culminate later on Thursday with a military parade in the Great National Assembly Square featuring over 2,000 service members, followed by an evening public concert.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Romanian President Nicușor Dan are scheduled to arrive in Chișinău to attend the anniversary events in a display of regional solidarity.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
