Grand Duchess Maria of Russia: “The greatest possible honor is due a people who, even while remembering the bitterest pages of its history, nonetheless keep looking forward toward their future.”

During her official visit to Ingushetia, Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, and members of the Chancellery of the Russian Imperial House, along with the President of the Republic of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, came to the Monument of Memory and Glory of Ingushetia in the city of Nazran. The Grand Duchess and other members of her delegation placed flowers at the Eternal Flame at the Monument Complex to the victims of political repression, and at the memorials to the Ingush Regiment of the Native (Savage) Division, and to the last defender of the Fortress of Brest, Lieutenant U. Barkhanoev.

Her Imperial Highness’s special interest in this historical complex stems from the fact that, as is well known, the sculpture of the horsemen of the Savage Division at this site includes a depiction of Grand Duchess Maria’s kinsman, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich. We recall that in the years of the First World War, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich commanded the Savage Division, which was made up of volunteers from across the Caucuses. “It is very touching that the Ingush people have not forgotten the members of my family, who loved and respected them. Thank very much for preserving this memory,” the Grand Duchess said.

Then the distinguished guests were invited to tour the entire Memorial Complex, where there is located a museum of the victims of the forced deportation of the Ingush people in 1944. The Head of the Imperial House explored the exhibits in the museum and inscribed the following message in the visitor book: “The greatest possible honor is due a people who, even while remembering the bitterest pages of its history, nonetheless keep looking forward toward their future.”

At the Memorial of Memory and Glory of Ingushetia, Her Imperial Highness presided over a review of the Honor Guard of the Southern Military District and of cadets of the Mountain Cadet Corps.

In a speech delivered at that time, Yunus-Bek Yvkurov noted the enormous significance of the visit of Grand Duchess Maria of Russia for the Republic of Ingushetia, and emphasized the fact that the Ingush people have always faithfully served Russia. “This monument—is a tribute to one of the most glorious members of the Imperial family. Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich had a special love for his Ingush regiment, for the Ingush cavalry, which distinguished itself with its unmatched courage and remained true to their oaths they had made to the Fatherland, unto the very end,” the President of Ingushetia said.

In her response, the Head of the Russian Imperial House of Romanoff said: “I am deeply grateful to the President of the Republic of Ingushetia for his invitation to come to this incredible territory, which, after so many, many years, retains the memory of the Imperial family. It is wonderful to see this monument, which depicts not only our relative, but shows him to be surrounded by his true brothers. The pathway now is open for me to return here many times in the future. From the bottom of my heart, I wish for every blessing on the Ingush people. Thank you for your warmth and your hospitality.”

The official part of the event ended with the Grand Duchess being presented with a miniature version of the Monument to the Savage Division, with an inscription plate noting the Imperial Visit to Ingushetia.

Issued by the Press Service of the President of Ingushetia