News View

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.