16:56, 28 January 2004

Tragic date in history of Cossacks commemorated in Novocherkassk

Confidential circular letter #115, which started the genocide of the Cossacks, was signed by the Organizational Bureau of the Central Committee of RKP(b) (Russian Communist Party of Bolsheviks) 85 years ago. Cossack squads and cadets drew up in Novocherkassk on January 24 in commemoration of that tragic date.

Viktor Vodolatsky, chief ataman, or leader, of the Don Cossacks, greeted them. The Cossacks observed a minute's silence in memory of those lost during the years of mass terror. After the mourning meeting, a service for the dead was held at the Voznesensky Cathedral. Then Cossacks laid flowers at the monument to ataman Platov, the founder of Novocherkassk.

Author: Vera Voloshinova, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot