On October 1 in Irkutsk, at the N.M. Zagursky Musical Theater, a gala evening was held for International Day of Older Persons. A concert was prepared for 850 pensioners.

On October 1, a ceremonial evening in honor of the International Day of Older Persons was held at the N.M. Zagursky Irkutsk Regional Musical Theater.
A festive concert featuring the city’s creative groups was prepared for 850 pensioners (including representatives of veterans’ organizations, women’s councils, and honored workers in healthcare, education, and culture).
Veterans were congratulated on the holiday by Irkutsk Mayor Viktor Kondrashov and Duma Chairman Dmitry Berdnikov.
“For each person, as well as for society as a whole, it is very important to have older companions nearby who are wise through experience and years. The Day of Older Persons is a holiday that reminds us how important the continuous connection between generations is. The older generation of Irkutsk residents is the foundation of Irkutsk. A strong, reliable foundation on which the future can be confidently built,” Viktor Kondrashov noted. “Our task is to build on your experience. And we, the younger generation of Irkutsk residents, will do this with honor and dignity. Your generation is unique. You won the most terrible war. In Irkutsk, preparations have already begun for the main event of 2015—the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory. It is our duty to hold it with dignity, at a high level. Your generation was entrusted with grand construction projects. The great construction projects of a great country. This year Irkutsk is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the aircraft plant, the 55th anniversary of the Irkutsk Hydroelectric Power Station, the 60th anniversary of the Sinyushina Gora neighborhood, and the 25th anniversary of Universitetsky. All of this was built and done by you! From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all good health and well-being. Many, many long years of life so that together with us you can see how our beloved Irkutsk grows and is transformed!”
“We will never forget what was done by your hands. Thank you very much for your work. And we will make every effort to ensure that your life is not only long, but also of higher quality,” Dmitry Berdnikov emphasized.
In addition, events dedicated to the International Day of Older Persons are being held in the city’s districts, at enterprises, and in organizations. As a reminder, more than 160,000 pensioners currently live in Irkutsk.
Based on materials from the press service of the Irkutsk city administration.