Laos - Soviet Red Air Force (1960-1973) Monument 23.05.23
Representatives of the Russian Federation (including Soviet Red Airforce ‘Veterans’) attended the solemn ‘Opening’ of a Monument (constructed in the capital City of the Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic) – Dedicated to the BRAVERY of the Soviet (Transport Aviation) Red Airforce Pilots – who took part in the hostilities throughout Indochina during the years of American military aggression which occurred between 1960-1973! The US dropped more bombs on Laos than was dropped on Nazi Germany during WWII! This was a ‘PRIVATE’ occasion designed by the Laotian Government to express the Gratitude of the entire Laotian People to the Russian People (Past and Present) which took place on December 6th, 2022! This Monument will Officially be ‘Opened’ to the General Public in Vientiane City (Laos) on April 14th, 2023!
On December 6th, 2022, a Monument to Soviet Transport Aviation Pilots who took part in the hostilities in Indochina (during the years of American aggression from 1960 to 1973) was unveiled in the Laos Buddhist-Socialist Republic. The Monument by the famous Russian sculptor – Vitaly Shanov – was created with the participation of the Russian-Laotian Friendship Society and the Ministry of Défense of Laos – and is located on one of the busiest Central Highways of the Laos capital City – Vientiane!
During the years of American aggression in Indochina, Soviet Red Airforce Pilots flew over 19,000 Combat Flights over Laos and transported more than 2,300 tons of cargo. During the performance of Combat Missions, more than 30 Soviet Pilots and Military Specialists were killed. Vladimir Leonidovich Sokolin – Chairman of the Management Board of the Company – Igor Davydovich Panfilov – First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board – Elena Vasilievna Sutormina – Deputy Chairman of the Management Board – Sergey Gennadievich Shmakov – Executive Secretary of the Society, – Natalia Anatolyevna Kostrova and Nikolay Nikolaevich Ustinov – a Member of the Management Board – all took part in the Opening Ceremony!