9TH OF MAY: VICTORY DAY IN RUSSIA Victory Day is one of the m | Russian slang

9TH OF MAY: VICTORY DAY IN RUSSIA

Victory Day is one of the most important and revered holidays in the Russian calendar. The conflict that killed over 27 million Soviet people or, according to other sources, more than 29 million, did not spare a single Russian home from loosing a family member or having someone suffering from war wounds or injuries.

Interesting fact:
In many European countries the end of the World War II is celebrated on May 8. The point is that The German Instrument of Surrender was signed on May 8 at 10.43 pm Central European time, which was after midnight Moscow time. For this reason Victory Day in Russia is celebrated on May 9.

The 9-th of May in Russia today:
Currently Victory Day is a national holiday in Russia. In the last few years it has become a well-received custom to voluntarily distribute St. George's ribbons - not only veterans, but also young people wear them as a symbol of the bond between generations and in memory of the Great Victory. On this day, wreath-laying ceremonies are held at the monuments to the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Moreover, various events take place in order to honor the veterans and all homefront workers festive concerts are organized, courage lessons in schools are conducted and, in some places, reconstructions of the battles are performed.

Each family can recall the stories of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers who have defended freedom - not only of Russia, but of the whole Europe. Those became the basis for the civil-patriotic campaign called “The Immortal Regiment”, which has been first launched a few years ago. Today it has become an international public movement to preserve the personal memory of the Great Patriotic War generation with more than 80 countries and territories taking part. On Victory Day participants of this annual happening walk through the streets of their cities, carrying photos of their relatives. Veterans of the army and navy, partisans, resistance fighters, home front workers, concentration camp prisoners, children of war all gather on that day. The stories of such people are being successively collected in the People’s Chronicle on “The Immortal Regiment” movement’s website.

Symbols of Victory Day:
Common symbols of Victory Day in Russia are:
St. George’s ribbon – people attach this black-and-yellow ribbon to their clothes as a symbol of respect and remembrance.
Red carnations – blood red is the color of the Soviet flag under which the veterans fought. Laying an even number of red carnations at war memorial sites signifies mourning and remembrance.
Red Star medal – a military decoration awarded for bravery.

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