Every photograph is part of history: thousands take part in the "Memory Wall" campaign at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The All-Russian "Memory Wall" campaign, timed to coincide with the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, has concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA. From 1 to 10 May, anyone could bring a portrait of their hero — a war participant, home-front worker, concentration camp prisoner or child of war — and place it on the memorial stand alongside hundreds of others: shoulder to shoulder, just as they once stood at the front. More than 1,300 photo portraits were placed during the campaign. It was at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow that a series of memorial stand openings in the regions and in more than 20 countries around the world began on 1 May. Branches in the Primorye and Krasnoyarsk Territories, as well as in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, also joined the campaign.

"Every portrait on the Memory Wall is part of our shared history. More than a thousand people took part in the campaign! The older generation shared memories, while children learned for the first time about the heroic deeds of their great-grandfathers and proudly spoke about their heroes. We supported this campaign by the All-Russian Public Movement Victory Volunteers at the National Centre RUSSIA because it matters: it is not just a tribute to the past, but a way to preserve the memory of a feat that concerns every family. Branches in the Primorye and Krasnoyarsk Territories, as well as in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, joined us. As long as we remember, Victory is with us, and our strength lies in unity. Thank you to everyone who became part of this story!" said Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Anastasia Zvyagina.

Guests of the venue were not the only ones to share stories about their heroes. Photographs of family members who fought for the Motherland were placed by Great Patriotic War veterans, participants in the special military operation, activists of the All-Russian Public Movement Victory Volunteers, the All-Russian Public Movement Immortal Regiment of Russia, the Yunarmiya (Young Army), the Volunteer Company of the Combat Brotherhood and staff members of the National Centre RUSSIA, as well as Honoured Artist of Russia Varvara and singer Khabib.

The programme of events dedicated to the Great Victory did not end there. The #LetterToAHero campaign, organised jointly with the "RT.Doc: Time of Our Heroes" festival, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA for another time. Children and adults wrote warm words of support to servicemen taking part in the special military operation, who continue the combat traditions of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. During the latest stage, campaign volunteers collected touching messages folded in the style of frontline triangle letters. All of them will be delivered to military units to raise the morale of our fighters and remind them of the gratitude of their compatriots.

The traditional "Red Carnation" campaign was held at the National Centre RUSSIA together with the Memory of Generations Foundation. Volunteers offered guests a flower-shaped badge symbolising Victory in exchange for any donation. The funds raised will be directed towards medical assistance for veterans of the Great Patriotic War, combat veterans and veterans of the special military operation.

"Car for the Front" campaign is an initiative of the All-Russian Public Movement People’s Front. On a special vehicle located near the southern entrance to the National Centre RUSSIA, anyone could write words of support for soldiers carrying out combat missions in the special military operation zone. During the campaign, deeply important messages appeared on the body of the car — wishes to return home alive and unharmed, words of gratitude and faith in Victory. After the campaign ends, the vehicle will be sent to the combat zone. The traditional St George ribbon was also part of the programme. On these days, the black-and-orange symbol of memory and respect for the feat of the victors could be received at the entrance and proudly pinned to one’s chest.

The memory of the heroes will continue to live at the National Centre RUSSIA: in original educational events, and in the hearts of its many staff members, volunteers and guests.