South Ossetia commemorates victims of Georgian aggression
TSKHINVALI. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Events marking the fourth anniversary of the Georgian attack on South Ossetia in August 2008 are being held in Tskhinvali, an Interfax correspondent reported.
An exhibit of paintings, damaged in the war, titled "War Through Paintings' Eyes" was opened on Theater Square in the center of the city. Canvasses by prominent South Ossetian painters, damaged by Georgian shells, symbolize the tragedy of those days.
Local residents and visitors gathered for a ceremony, attended by President Leonid Tibilov, lawmakers and Cabinet members. Priest Father Iakov addressed the audience, saying that the tragic days of August 2008 must not be forgotten.
"We have gathered here today to think back to those days and to tell our children about them. We pay tribute to our defenders, to those who sacrificed their lives and who survived and carry on. But we have also gathered for a holiday that asserts that life is continuing in our homeland," he said.
The priest thanked all and invited people who had gathered on the square to join a procession to the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin for a commemorative service.
