Tens of thousands of WWII veterans lie in Uzbekistan — evacuees, hospital deaths, and those who returned from the front and ended their lives in Soviet Uzbekistan. The Botkin and Domabad cemeteries in Tashkent, Samarkand, the Fergana Valley, Karakalpakia all have military sectors with obelisks and red stars.
What happens in Uzbekistan that day. On Botkin in Tashkent on May 9, a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial. Family visits to individual graves bring red carnations (the main symbol), St George's ribbons, sometimes a frontline-era photo, a memorial «charka» (small glass of vodka with black bread).
Remote observance. We organize the May 9 visit: plot tidy-up, red-star refresh (paint if needed), 5–7 fresh red carnations, St George's ribbon, lit candle, photo/video. Standard May 9 package $80–120, included in 6+/year subscriptions.
The «frontovaya charka»: a Soviet tradition — a small glass of vodka and a piece of black bread, sometimes salt. Not consumed — placed at the obelisk as a symbolic gesture for those who went into battle. Families who don't drink still place the symbol.
Coordination with parade and salute. Tashkent holds a May 9 parade on Independence Square; Samarkand has its own ceremonies. If the family watches the broadcast, our cemetery visit can sync — photos arrive during the broadcast.
Star restoration. The red star on Soviet obelisks fades in 5–7 years. Restoration is a separate service, $50–150 by size. Done before May 9 on request.
Jewish veterans. Many Jewish veterans lie in the Tashkent Textile Jewish cemetery. We follow the same protocol on May 9 (red star + ribbons + carnations) plus a brief Tehillim reading if the family asks.
Veteran's personal commemoration day — separate. After death, families usually observe their own (the death date, not May 9). May 9 is a state holiday; personal commemoration is private. We can visit on both.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — many Orthodox families order a church panikhida in the morning, then visit the grave (or we do). We coordinate timing so our cemetery visit is simultaneous or right after.