May 20 in South Ossetia is the tragic date — Day of National Mourning. On this day, mourning events dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Zar tragedy are held everywhere. The leadership of the republic, family members of the victims, and the public take part in it.
On this May day in 1992, an inhumane crime was committed by the Georgian armed forces on a bypass road near the Ossetian village of Zar. Several cars with refugees heading from South Ossetia to North Ossetia were shot at point-blank range from an ambush. As a result of this barbaric action, 36 people died —, mostly children, women, and the elderly. The age of those killed ranged from 7 to 70 years.
In September 2007, a memorial complex was opened at the site of the tragedy. The sculpture depicts a mother shielding her child, who extended her hand to the sky in search of protection and patronage. At the bottom of the pedestal – is a list of victims of the Zar tragedy.
Every year on this day, state flags are lowered throughout the republic. A memorial service for the innocently killed is served in the churches of the Alan Diocese. May 20 will forever remain a day of sadness and mourning for innocent civilians for North and South Ossetia.