Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As of today, only 82 World War II veterans and individuals equated to them remain in Uzbekistan, with the oldest being 114 years old. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The number of veterans is decreasing each year. Recently, in Shahrisabz, 105-year-old Sa'dullo Jabbarov passed away, as reported by the Ministry of Defense.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Defense, 26 of these veterans are war invalids, 15 have been awarded the "For the Defense of Leningrad" medal or the "Resident of Blockaded Leningrad" badge, and 22 were held in Nazi concentration camps.

The largest number of veterans lives in Tashkent, over 30 people, with more than 10 in the Tashkent region, and 1-2 in other areas.

During the war, Uzbekistan mobilized about 1.951 million people — one-third of the 6.551 million residents at that time. Over 538,000 Uzbeks perished on the front lines, and more than 158,000 went missing.

More than 200,000 soldiers and officers from Uzbekistan were awarded military orders and medals. 301 residents of the republic were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and 70 received the Order of Glory in all three classes.

On May 9, in observance of Memorial and Honor Day, a 5-kilometer race named "Letter of Memory to the New Generation" will take place in Tashkent, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Fascism.

Around 2,000 participants are expected to join the race, which will start at the "Brotherly Graves" memorial, where a Wall of Memory will be installed, and continue to the "Bunyodkor" stadium. Art exhibitions and musical performances will be organized along the route.

At 9:00 PM, a festive fireworks display will take place in the "New Uzbekistan" park.