Hero Pilot of Russia Buried in Voronezh - Thousand of Compatriots Come to Pay Their Respects
Today, the Hero of Russia was buried in Voronezh. Thousands of people came to pay their final respects to the military pilot who died in the fight with terrorists.
Dmitry Petrov has the details.
Chkalovsky Airfield. The memorial ceremony is going on with all military honors: a red carpet and an honor guard. Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu, his deputies, and other commanders arrived at the airfield.
Nikolay Pankov, Deputy Minister of Defense: "Major Filipov honorably fulfilled his military duty remained loyal to his oath and sacrificed himself fighting the enemy".
An hour later, the airplane lands in Voronezh the city where Roman was born and raised. All the people of Voronezh are saying farewell to their fellow. Several thousands of citizens have gathered in front of the Officers' Club. When it was revealed that Roman Filipov was going to be buried in his home city people started calling the local television and administration to find out where and when the memorial ceremony would be held. Here are the students of Zhukovsky Air Force Academy students of cadet corps, young army cadets and all those who took the death of the pilot as a personal tragedy.
Almost none of these people knew Roman personally but decided it was their duty to pay their last respects.
"We came here to honor the memory of the hero because our country is full of such heroes and we'll always remember and be proud of them. We'll bring up our sons to be heroes."
Nikolay Yermakov, retired rear admiral: "He's an example for the future generation. His memory will always dwell with us".
Many people bring their children right after school.
"I came here to show my kid the real hero of our time. Since the times of the WWII, our soldiers have been protecting us and sacrificing their lives to secure the future of our younger generation".
Roman's brothers in arms from the assault aircraft regiment in Primorye are waiting for their turn.
Alexey Sapunov, Roman's brother in arms: "He was a good and well-respected commander. He always helped us when we needed it the most".
Colonel-General Sergey Surovikin knows Roman's military career very well as the commander of our military group is Syria and the Aerospace Forces.
Sergey Surovikin, commander of Aerospace Forces: "Roman was protecting the civilians. He was protecting his country, his people, and his family from the international terrorism. His deed will always stand in our history".
The body of Major Filipov was returned to his homeland thanks to the efforts of our military intelligence and Turkish special services.
The Ministry of Defense has already declared that it's ready to give all necessary support to Roman's family.
The pilot was buried at the Comintern graveyard in Voronezh among his fellow heroes at the Glory Avenue accompanied by the gun salute.
Dmitry Petrov, Alexander Revunov Viktor Prikhodko, Andrey Kutsov, and Andrey Yurchuk Vesti.