War always begins suddenly, although a generation later it will seem inevitable to historians. In 1941, the most terrible Great Patriotic War for the Soviet people, —, began. They say the Nazis could not be stopped without huge losses…
May 9 — Victory Day in the war over Nazi Germany — is one of the most important, touching and glorious holidays in Russia, the former Soviet republics and a number of European countries.
On May 9, 1945, the Great Patriotic War, which is an integral part of the Second World War of 1939-1945, ended. It began at dawn on June 22, 1941, when Nazi Germany, violating the Soviet-German treaties of 1939, attacked the Soviet Union. The war lasted almost four years and became the largest armed clash in human history. On the front, stretching from the Barents to the Black Seas, from 8 million to 13 million people fought simultaneously on both sides during various periods of the war, from 6 thousand to 20 thousand tanks and assault guns were used, from 85 thousand to 165 thousand guns and mortars, from 7 thousand to 19 thousand aircraft.
On May 9, 1945, a «Li-2» plane with the crew of A.I. landed at the Frunze Central Airfield. Semenkov, who delivered the act of surrender of Nazi Germany to Moscow. And on June 24, the Victory Parade took place on Red Square in Moscow. The parade was commanded by Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky, and the — parade was hosted by Marshal Georgy Zhukov.
At the parade, the combined regiments of the fronts operating at the end of the war marched solemnly. Front and army commanders walked ahead, Heroes of the Soviet Union carried the banners of famous units and formations. The parade ended with the march of 200 standard bearers throwing the banners of the defeated German troops onto the platform at the foot of the Mausoleum.
Great Victory Day of the Soviet people — is a symbol of unshakable spirit and heroism. For the sake of peace on Earth, more than 27 million Soviet people laid down their lives on the altar of the Fatherland.
Victory Day of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War was and remains one of the most revered holidays both in Russia and in the CIS countries. According to the glorious tradition of recent years, volunteers distribute St. George ribbons everywhere, which not only veterans, but also young people tie and wear as a symbol of the connection between generations and the memory of the Great Victory.
Also on this day, ceremonies for laying flowers and wreaths at monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War are held everywhere, various events are held to honor war veterans and rear front workers, festive concerts, lessons in courage are organized in educational institutions, battle reconstructions, military parades, festive fireworks and much more.
A tradition in recent years has been the holding of the civil-patriotic action «Immortal Regiment» on May 9, which today has become an international social movement to preserve personal memory of the generation of the Great Patriotic War. Every year on Victory Day, movement participants march in a column through city streets with photographs of their relatives — army and navy veterans, partisans, underground fighters, resistance fighters, home front workers, concentration camp prisoners, blockade survivors, children of war, — and also record family stories about them in the People's Chronicle on the website of the movement «Immortal Regiment». To date, the campaign covers more than 80 states and territories.
Infographics of the day:
Poster «Victory Day»
Articles:
• Liberation of Prague. What was the last military operation of the Great Patriotic War?
• About the fighting at Khalkhin Gol. Why were these already forgotten battles so important for the outcome of World War II?
• Twice-born: The military exploits of Vladimir Etush
• Petkina Victory: based on real family history for Victory Day
• «Bulat Okudzhava: as a gift – Victory!»
Story «Spoon»