81 years since the Great Victory

9 May is a holiday in which joy, grief, pride and quiet gratitude come together. On this day 81 years ago, the Soviet people accomplished the impossible: they defeated the army before which Europe trembled, raised the Banner of Victory over the Reichstag and restored freedom to their native land. The price of the Great Victory was millions of lives, burned villages and destroyed cities, and it was achieved by our valiant ancestors with unbreakable will and courage.

In those years, everyone rose to defend the Motherland. Boys who were still very young went to the front, adding years to their age. They took up arms or stood at production machines. Young nurses saved the wounded under shelling, surgeons worked without rest in hospitals, teachers continued teaching schoolchildren even under occupation, and famous artists performed their best numbers on the front line, inspiring fighters. Across the vast country, all peoples brought closer the "one Victory for all".

The memory of the Great Patriotic War lives not only in marble slabs and Days of Military Glory of Russia. It lives in the stories of fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, in yellowed photo albums, in orders and other family relics, in the ringing silence of the Minute of Silence and, of course, in new generations of victors. Today, just as decades ago, they have stood up without hesitation to defend their country, its values and its right to a future.

At the National Centre RUSSIA, this memory and gratitude become tangible. Until 10 May, everyone can take part in the "Memory Wall" campaign and place a portrait of their Hero on the shared stand. Special events and themed sections of the "Journey Across Russia" and "Geography Lessons" expositions also introduce guests to military topography, heroic deeds in the rear and other historical facts, figures, events and phenomena. The premiere of the original performance "Soldiers’ Dreams" was also held in memory of the Great Victory. Created under the direction of People’s Artist of Russia Yevgeny Glazov, the production became one of the largest in the history of the venue: it brought together choirs and dance groups, drama actors, children’s ensembles and a large costumed crowd scene.

On this May day, we bow our heads before veterans, home-front workers, children of war — everyone who bore that terrible burden on their own shoulders and did not break. We also bow deeply to those who continue the work of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. May every home be filled with peace and warmth, and every heart with bright memory. Happy Great Victory Day: a holiday that will remain with us forever.

We remember, we are proud!