The message reads, in part:
“Your life is a true example of dedicated service to the Motherland. During the Great Patriotic War, your battle route took you to East Prussia, where you fought wing-to-wing with French pilots from the Normandie-Niemen fighter squadron. You also took part in battles in the sky above Korea where you displayed exceptional courage, heroism and outstanding piloting skills.
I am confident that you, better than anyone else, understand the value of true friendship and brotherhood in arms in a fight for a just cause. That makes even more important your longstanding civic and educational activity aimed at preserving the historical truth, strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between peoples.”