To the veterans of the Great Patriotic War,
citizens of the Hero City Kerch
of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea
Dear friends!
I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of awarding Kerch an honorary title “Hero City”.
Kerch received this high award for prominent services to the Homeland, great heroism, courage and endurance of its citizens, military men and naval forces who protected the city and the Kerch peninsular during the Great Patriotic War.
Military years hold a special place in the history of the city, since the citizens of Kerch have lived through the horrors of occupation. Each stone here is stained with soldiers’ blood. More than eight thousands of military men were awarded orders and medals for liberation of Kerch; military units obtained a rank "Kerchynska"; and 146 members of landing troops became Heroes of the Soviet Union.
May this date, marked with courage and valor of heroes, unite all generations of citizens! Respect to winners, as well as continuation of glorious military and labour traditions is a manifestation of our loyalty to their precepts to preserve peace, consent and welfare of the native land.
I sincerely wish you, dear citizens of Kerch, sound health, courage, happiness and success in life.
With respect
Volodymyr RYBAK