The question 'What Does The Motherland Start With?' is always essential. If it is essential, then various answers are given to and various discussions are held on this question.  The reality accepted by everyone is that the Motherland starts from your house. Sometimes in order to protect this house you are obliged to join even a war. Even you don't want but you should...

National leader Heydar Aliyev, whose 93rd birthday anniversary we are celebrating on these days, said that the patriotic war is the battle to defend the honour and good name of a nation overall and individuals. On opposite side- the enemy, right beside you fighting against the enemy - your friend. As a soldier, you should be at the leading front, and people on the home front are the members of the soldiers' family. You can't say 'I don't share imperialist interests and stand aback because empires fight on your land, on the land where you stand on your feet.

This year, as a post-soviet country, Azerbaijan celebrates the 71st anniversary of the historic victory over the fascist Germany in World War II.

Totally 57 million people died in World War II and 27 million of them were the Soviet citizens and 300 thousand - Azerbaijanis. The national Azerbaijan 416, 412, 396, 223 and 77th divisions participated in clearing Simferopol, Odessa and other cities. 77 Azerbaijan division took part in operations in Poland and Czechoslovakia; 223rd Azerbaijan division took part in clearing Yugoslavia; 416th  division had a great battle route from the Caucasus to Berlin and was very active in clearing operations in Berlin. More than 1000 Azerbaijanis participated in partisan movement in the South of France; more than 600 Azerbaijanis were in Yugoslavian partisan attack brigades. National leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev said: 'Even now many people admit the truth that if Azerbaijan didn't provide the Soviet army with petrol, then USSR victory in coalition with England and America over the fascist Germany in World War II would be impossible.' Heydar Aliyev who returned to the political leadership in the republic on June 15, 1993 upon the demand of the public rescued the country from the threats of civil war and destruction.The cases of indifference, in some cases disrespect towards veterans of the Great Patriotic War, in general towards the heroes of World War II were eliminated. According to the Decree dated 1995 signed by Heydar Aliyev, the 9th of May was included in the list of national holidays in Azerbaijan.   

Azerbaijan's President Heydar Aliyev signed the 'Law on Veterans' on June 28, 1994. This law defines the status of veterans of war, labour, armed forces, internal affairs and national security institutions. Heydar Aliyev said about the essence of this law: '... why do we need this law?  The Azerbaijan community, the Azerbaijani people should know that the veterans of the Second World War, the Great Patriotic War are the most respected and worthy people. To take care of them, to respect them, to settle all their problems is the civic duty of our state, of every government body, of every citizen of Azerbaijan.'

Every year our country with great respect call to the memory of the fallen in World War II. Their heroism will never be forgotten. Today, Azerbaijan again stands face-to-face with the threat of war. As a result of Armenian aggression Azerbaijan has lost 20% of its territories; furthermore, every day ceasefire violations and provocations are observed on the frontline. In this context, it becomes particularly relevant to study the heroic chronicle of participants of World War II, because they demonstrated the examples of heroism for mankind.

Rabiga