| 2009-05-08 |
May 9 is the Victory Day |
Victory Day
May 9 is Victory Day in Russia, as well as in the CIS countries. It is
a national holiday which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in
World War II and honors 20 million of Soviet soldiers who died in the
war. According to the latest studies this figure is even more: over 27
million.
In Europe World War II ended on May 2nd, 1945. The surrender of German
troops was signed on May 4th and 5th but officially the war ended at
midnight on May 8th 1945. To remember this important event, the
Russians created a national holiday called Victory Day which is
celebrated on May 9th in Russia.
Though Russia mainly fought to defend itself, and WWII is called the
Great Patriotic War, the Russian army pushed the Germans all the way
back to Berlin which helped to defeat Hitler's forces.
In Russia Victory Day is known as the holiday bringing tears in the
eyes. On that day happiness and grief get close to each other. In
Russia no family stayed away from the war. Thus every family remembers
people who died at the battlefield during the war and those who died
of hunger and backbreaking labor, or became disabled and suffered
greatly. On this special day people congratulate the survived veterans
with Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
On that day flowers are laid on the graves and the veterans that are
still alive come out into the streets wearing their medals and orders.
The number of survivors is getting less and less each year. There are
parades, feasts, presents and flowers that express endless gratitude
to those, who defended people from the Nazi horror.
The 9th of May is Victory Day which is close not only to the old
generation of people. It is a special day of solidarity and unity for
people who recognize Great Patriotic War more than just a historical
event. The pride and endless gratitude that filled the hearts of
people on May 9 1945 has passed on and each year grief and happiness
unite the nation on this special holiday. |
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