Victory Day

More than half of century has passed since the Second World War came to an end and considering that, according to the data, 62 states – about 80% of total world population – out of the 73 existing at the time participated in it, classifying this war as one of the biggest one in the world’s history, it is not surprising at all how much the Second World War left a deep mark in the cultures of different countries and peoples. Russia is not an exception, so on this remarkable day we will talk about the tradition of celebrating Victory Day.

Why are we speaking about May 9 and not September 2?

It is well known that the period of the Second World War is associated with the dates of September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945. However, for the USSR the beginning of this war is connected with a later period, which begun on June 22, 1941, when it was firstly announced that the German armed forces attacked the borders of the Soviet Union, defining the conflict as “Great Patriotic War”.

The date of its end in the Eastern Europe countries is associated with the May 8/9, as late in the evening of May 8 – according to the local time – the unconditional surrender of the German armed forces was announced (which entered into force on May 9 according to the Moscow time), after the Soviet troops completely occupied Berlin.

Why Victory Day is so revered in Russia?

The celebration of Victory Day in both the USSR and Russia was historically connected with the memory of all those who gave their lives for the peaceful existence of the modern generation. On this day, it is customary to meet with veterans and lay wreaths and flowers (most often carnations) to the monuments and memorials dedicated to this war, to watch the evening fireworks.

For the sake of understanding of the approximate scale of participation of Russians and other nationalities forming the Soviet Union at that time, the total demographic losses (including the losses of peace population) at the end of the Great Patriotic War was about 26.6 million people.

Military parades, so well-known in foreign countries, are also an important part of this day’s celebrations. Despite the fact that until 1995 the parade was held only on separate anniversary years (1945, 1965, 1985), later it has entered the list of annual traditions of the Victory Day.

DP group congratulates everyone on the Victory Day and wishes peace and tranquility in every home.