Farewell, friends...

Boris Geletin, father of the perished submariner:

- The terrible impact of destiny has fallen upon our families. 118 strong, young men - submariners suddenly have perished, it is possible to name them the elite of fleet. This tragedy has blown life and our son - Boris. As hundreds boys he dreamed of the sea and became the seaman - submariner. We have brought up good sons. They have executed their debt honestly and up to the end. And while such seamen as our sons will serve in the fleet, the Fleet and Motherland can be proud.

Jlia Klebanov, vice-premier of Government of Russian Federation:

- Today it is very hard day for us. We return tribute of memory to crew of the perished submarine Kursk, which one struggled for the combat ship up to the last second. There is all Russia on this area together with us. The memory of the seamen - submariners will remain in a history of our Motherland forever. While we can not say how this terrible tragedy happened. But we precisely know, that we will manage to find the answer to this problem … Also, we will do the utmost to raise bodies of other seamen and boat. I want to say to the Relatives of perished and to soldiers of the Northern fleet: we shall make everything, that everyone who will serve in the Russian Navy could to wear a rank of the Motherland advocate with pride. As the crew of Kursk did. I want to certify you, that Russia will make it can today for the Armed forces.

Igor Sergeev, minister of a defense:

- It is difficult to admit, that these remarkable people will never return from a patrol, will never not cross a threshold of a native house, will never embrace the wives, children, parents. They liked their Motherland, sea and fleet, and up to the end have executed the debt. They were the successors of the best traditions of Russian seamen. It was the best crew. It will remain such in our memory forever. Their death is irreplaceable loss for Armed forces. I think, in all Russia there is no person, which one would not experience this tragedy, as personal. We are obliged to open the cause of accident, to make conclusions and to accept the conforming measures in order not to repeat similar. Forgive us … Farewell … Let ground will be fluff to you.

Vjacheslav Popov, commander in chief of the Northern fleet:

- Today we meets the heroes. Today, we see them off in last earth route. And let teardrops on eyes of the men do not generate feeling of pity to them. The trouble has not bated intellectual spirit of the submariners. And now they prolong to execute combat missions at sea. With large persistence we shall be engaged in battle training to be worthy memory perished. Farewell battle comrades. Your death is unrighteous. But your life, given away to disinterested ministering to Motherland is righteous. The sons will prolong your business. Eternal to you memory …

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