60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Ukraine
The 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Ukraine was a celebration in Kiev, Ukraine on October 27–28, 2004 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Ukraine from the Nazi Invaders. It was notable in that it was timed to the 2004 Ukrainian presidential election that occurred a week later. It was the first time the anniversary was celebrated since independence.Events on October 27
Anniversary parade
The was a large military parade held on Maidan Nezalezhnosti with the participation of the Kiev Garrison of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as the Internal Troops of Ukraine. It was held in the same format as the annual Kiev Independence Day Parade, including the traditional flag raising ceremony to the tune of Shche ne vmerla Ukraina. Inspecting the parade was the Defense Minister General of the Army Oleksandr Kuzmuk and General of the Army Ivan Herasymov, a war veteran. It was commanded by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Lieutenant General. 8,000 members of the Ukrainian military as well as veterans of the Liberation of Ukraine took part in the parade. The Victory Banner was brought to Kiev from Moscow via train to take part in the parade.Other events
On October 27, the President of Ukraine together with presidents of Belarus, Russia and Azerbaijan laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the memorial complex of the Park of Eternal Glory in Kiev. The heads of state participated in a festive event at the Palace "Ukraine". A visit to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Kiev was also arranged.Medal
The was awarded throughout the year 2004. The medal was designed by Viktor Buzalo, Deputy Head of the State Awards and Heraldry Administration of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine. The distinction was established by Presidential Decree on September 17, 2004. The President of Ukraine awarded it to participants of hostilities during the Great Patriotic War. The anniversary medal was also and awarded on behalf of the President of Ukraine by the central executive bodies and the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also gave the anniversary medal to citizens of other countries.Commemorative coin
A commemorative 5 hryvnia coin was issued by the National Bank of Ukraine. The coin was put into circulation on October 27, 2003. The front of the coin depicts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while the obverse depicts the Dnieper.Attending dignitaries
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev was also invited to the celebrations.Gallery
