Figure 1.--Here we see a Russian World war II veteran being presented flowers by children on Great Patriotic War Remembrance Day. |
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An important holiday in Russia is Great Patriotic War Remembrance Day (May 9). We have also seen it called Victory Day. The date of course is World War II Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a day later than in the West because there was a second NAZI surrender. The Germans surrendered to the Soviets a day after they surrendered to the Western Allies. A HBC reader visiting Russian provides a description of the celebration in 2009. "There is a great celebration and Rememberance on Saturday May 9. Russians honor the sacrifice and bravery of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. There was a parade in Moscow across Red Square. In Victory Park where I was there was a great gathering. War veterans came. There was a outdoor musical concert. The music was by Russian composers. Hundreds listened. Children and adults gave war veterans flowers. This was a very touching to observe. The children spoke to the old soldiers. One little boy did not have flowers so he gave a Veteran his chocolate bar. It was a very interesting afternoon being with Russians celebrating this occasion. In the evening there was a firework display. I noticed the Soviet rather than the Russian flag."
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