Death and state funeral of Leonid Brezhnev facts for kids

On November 10, 1982, Leonid Brezhnev, a very important leader of the Soviet Union, passed away. He was 75 years old and died from a heart attack. Brezhnev was the third General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which meant he was the main leader of the country for many years. He was also the fifth person to lead the Soviet Union.

The news of his death was officially shared with the public on November 11. Soviet radio and television programs announced it. After his passing, the country observed five days of national mourning. This is a time when people remember and honor a deceased leader. Brezhnev was given a special state funeral, which is a public ceremony to honor a person of national importance. He was then buried in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis, a famous burial ground in Moscow. Yuri Andropov, who would become the next leader, was in charge of planning Brezhnev's funeral. The funeral took place on November 15, 1982.

The Funeral Ceremony

Brezhnev's funeral was a very big event. Many important people from around the world came to pay their respects. There were 32 heads of state, who are leaders of countries. Also, 15 heads of government, who lead their country's government, attended.

Who Attended Brezhnev's Funeral?

Many foreign ministers, who handle relations between countries, were also there. Four princes from different royal families attended too. The President of the United States at the time, Ronald Reagan, sent his Vice President, George H. W. Bush, to represent the U.S. During the ceremony, several people gave speeches called eulogies. These speeches honored Brezhnev's life and work. The speakers included Yuri Andropov, Dmitry Ustinov, Anatoly Petrovich Alexandrov, and even a factory worker.

Images for kids

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  Brezhnev and Dmitry Ustinov at the 1979 October Revolution Day Parade on Red Square celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the revolution.

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  Brezhnev's tomb in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis