A ceremony titled “Courage, Victory, Justice” was held at Columbia University, one of the leading higher-education institutions in New York City, USA, to mark November 8 — the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War.

Report’s U.S. bureau reports that the event was organized by the Azerbaijan-American Youth Federation (AAYF) and the Alliance of Azerbaijani American Organizations, with the support of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora.

Among those attending were Vusala Mehdiyeva, adviser at Azerbaijan’s Embassy in the United States; Ambassador Tofiq Musayev, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; representatives of the Azerbaijan-American Coordinating Council; diaspora activists; and students studying in the U.S.

The event began with the playing of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the heroes who gave their lives for the homeland.

The evening continued with Leyla Aslanova, President of the Azerbaijan-American Youth Federation, serving as moderator.

In her remarks, Selhat Abbasova, head of a department at the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora, noted that November 8 — Victory Day is a symbol of the Azerbaijani people’s heroism, unity, and the restoration of justice. She emphasized that five years ago, under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, and thanks to the bravery of the Azerbaijani Army, a historic victory was achieved.

In his speech, T. Musayev stated that the victory won in the 44-day Patriotic War is the triumph of the nation’s unbreakable will, courage, and unity. According to him, this victory ensured the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speeches were also delivered by Nigar Shikhsafiyeva, founder and head of the organization “Azerbaijani Diaspora in Colorado”; Nabat Eminova, founder and president of the Azerbaijan-American Youth Association; and American speaker John Taylor.

A musical program was also presented. Milana Nabiyeva performed Fikret Amirov’s song “Azerbaijan Lands”; sisters Dana and Aline Zoabi played violin; and Emili Mammadova performed on flute.

As part of the program, the dance group of the “My Way” Children and Youth Development Center performed Azerbaijani national dances. Afterwards, a documentary film titled “Iron Fist” was screened. The film reflects the trials the nation endured during the First and Second Karabakh Wars, the heroism of the martyrs, and Azerbaijan’s historic victory.

During the event, an exhibition of works by young artists from the “My Way” Center was also displayed.

At the end, a dinner and networking gathering was organized for the guests.