Odesa celebrates day of liberation from fascist invaders

Published April 10, 2017 at 2:04 pm

Romanian infantry is seen entering Odesa after the fall of the city to the Axis forces on October 22, 1941, during World War II on the eastern frontline. Romanian fascist junta of Ion Antonescu had overthrown King Carol II and allied to Hitler against Stalin in October 1940. During the Axis occupation thousands of Odesans were murdered or deported.

Photo by AFP

ODESA – Odesa celebrates the 73rd anniversary of its liberation from fascist invaders on April 10.

Ceremonies to lay down flowers to the monument to the Unknown Sailor, the Wing of Victory monument, and the Memorial to the 411th coastal squadron are scheduled to be held in the city on April 10.

The celebration program also includes a festival of military bands, exhibits, recitals, open lessons at schools and other events.

A historical reenactment of one of the episodes of the liberation of Odesa in 1944 took place on the coast of the Kuyalnytsky salt lake near the village of Ilyinka. Besides the reenactment participants, the event also involved light aircraft.

On April 8 a bike race entitled ‘100 Kilometers on the Glory Belt’ took place. Some 2,000 people participated.

Security has been tightened in the city for these days. Some 1,200 police officers will be present in the streets of the city on April 10 to prevent possible provocations. Metal detectors will be installed in crowded places.