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On Friday, April 11, on the eve of the Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics at the bust of Sergey Pavlovich Korolev a solemn line-up was held. Traditionally, the rally was attended by students, staff members, veterans, young soldiers and cadets of the military training center. The festive ceremony was opened by the "Singing Squadron" choir with the performance of the song "14 Minutes to Launch", which has become one of the symbols of the space age.
Evgeny Shakhmatov, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, scientific director of Samara National Research University, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech: "Today is a sunny cool day, it allows us to remember with special warmth and be proud of the feat of the first man in space — Yury Alekseevich Gagarin. He made our country famous for centuries. Behind this achievement stood thousands of engineers and specialists, as well as the chief designer of rocket and space technology — Sergey Pavlovich Korolev. His name was known to few at the time, unlike Gagarin, who was recognized by the whole world. I wish all of you to glorify our country, not to forget those who help you grow: parents, teachers. On World Aviation and Astronautics Day, I wish you all health, prosperity, peace and victories."
Ivan Tkachenko, deputy rector and director of IAE, recalled the scale of the collective labor behind the first space flight: "Thanks to the labor of many designers and engineers, Gagarin's flight became possible. This day remains an important milestone, a benchmark against which we check our deeds and achievements. This is the victory of the Soviet people, which opened the way to space. I congratulate everyone on this wonderful holiday and wish success in space exploration!"
Ivan Hablo, head of the military training center, noted the heroism of the first cosmonaut and addressed the students: "We remember the day when a Russian man, an officer, a pilot — Yury Gagarin — flew into space. He was a hero who gave the people faith, strength and pride in the Fatherland. We were the first and we remain the first. Cadets and youth cadets, only through hard work and study are goals achieved. Don't stop. Make the university proud of you!"
Valentin Pavlov spoke on behalf of the University Veterans Council: "Congratulations to you on this great holiday. I remember April 12, 1961 as if it were yesterday: I was in the 11th grade at School No. 9 on Krasnaya Glinka. During class, the chemistry teacher ran in and shouted: "Our man is in space! Gagarin is in space!" We all ran outside. It was a delight! And on February 22, 1966, our institute was named after Korolev, which became a real holiday for us students. We were shouting: "We are Koroloev residents!" with pride and enthusiasm."
The event ended with the laying of flowers at the bust of S.P. Korolev. After that, all those present were invited to an exhibition of Soviet-era posters in the foyer of the university's auditorium. But no one wanted to leave. The participants asked the choir to perform one of the most beloved and recognizable songs about space exploration. And to the final applause, the "Singing Squadron" performed the famous lines "And we do not dream of the roar of the cosmodrome ...". Everyone sang along to the poignant composition, and it became a real highlight of the celebration.
Cosmonautics Day, established on April 9, 1962, is a reminder of the greatness of science, engineering, and the human spirit that transcends the boundaries of what is possible.
