CHISINAU, April 22, 2011 – „Chernobyl disaster liquidator – 25 years since Chernobyl disaster” is the name of the medal awarded by the Minister of Defense, Vitalie Marinuta, Friday, April 22, during Chernobyl victims commemoration ceremony held at the National Army Central House.
The event started with a moment of silence. Then, the Minister of Defense awarded commemorative medals to 40 people marking 25 years since Chernobyl disaster.
„The commemoration of Chernobyl catastrophe victims is a sign of gratitude towards disaster liquidators who sacrificed their life for us”, the Minister of Defense stated. „We will always appreciate and respect you for the courage you showed while saving people’s life”, Vitalie Marinuta specified.
Prior to this event, the Minister of Defense awarded commemorative medals to 90 people during a similar ceremony held Thursday, April 21, at Rascani Attorney’s Office. Mihai Cirlig, mayor of Rascani district, offered 500 MDL to each Chernobyl disaster liquidator.
Over 210 military units and a contingent of 340 thousand officers and soldiers from the former Soviet Union were engaged in Chernobyl disaster liquidation process. Nearly 3500 officers were from Republic of Moldova. 3000 of them were reserve officers, including 231 from military centers, 400 active-duty officers, 70 officers of the Ministry of Interior and 500 civilians.
Military centers have currently recorded 2442 former liquidators of Chernobyl disaster. 2319 of them suffer of actinic radiation disease. 10% of over 3500 people to remove the catastrophe consequences died and 65% are invalids.
Chernobyl disaster is a nuclear accident held April 26, 1986. It is considered the worst nuclear power plant accident of the 20th century affecting over seven million people.
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