Victory Day
May 9 - Victory Day in Russia, a national holiday which remembers the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and honors 20 million Soviets who died in the war.
The History of "Victory Day"
The fighting of WorldWar II in Europe ended on May 2nd, 1945. The surrender of German troops was signed on May 4th and 5th but officially the war ended at midnight on May 8th 1945. To remember this important event, the Russians created a national holiday called Victory Day which is celebrated on May 9th in Russia.
When Nazi Germany attacked Russia or the Soviet Union, as it was known then, the Russian army pushed the Germans all the way back to Berlin which helped to defeat Hitler's forces.
The main reason for the celebration of Victory Day was to remember the people who died in the war. On that day, flowers are laid on their graves and veterans that are still alive go out on the streets wearing their medals and orders. There are few of them left now days and the number is getting smaller every year.
Russia mainly fought a war to defend itself, which is called a "patriotic war". That is what most Russians call WWII. In Russia almost all the families have at least one person who took part in the war. The other old citizens who did not fight during the war had to work in factories to make guns and preparations, which wasn't easier than fighting. They too are honored on Victory Day.
"Victory Day" Today
To celebrate Victory Day the President of Russia sends congratulating letters to all the veterans. There are parades, feasts, presents and flowers to give thanks to the people who fought for the defense of Russia. In all the cities there are meetings in which a leader or the mayor of the city gives speeches about the achievement of people in the war and the veterans tell about their adventures in the war.
Artillery salute is conducted in cities-heroes, and also in cities where staffs of military districts and fleet are deployed. The order of realization of celebratory processions, assemblies, meetings and the demonstrations devoted to Day of the Victory is defined according to the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Victory Day
The most memorable public event I`ve ever visited is definitely the Victory Day. It`s is traditionally held on the 9th of May in honour to the USSR victory over the Nazi Germany.
Despite the fact that a lot of cheerful parades are held on this day, I can`t say that this public holiday is a happy day for everyone. On the contrary, many people are sad because their close relatives and friend died on this terrible war! Almost every family in Russia has a person who didn`t return from the battlefield of the most inhuman war ever. It was mostly young and healthy people with great love to their Motherland who had to struggle frantically with terrible enemies. Moreover, many people were seriously injured and became disabled. However, we are happy that our country wasn`t occupied by the enemies, that`s why we are having plenty of parades all over the country.
I personally have quite contradictory feelings about this event. On the one hand, I feel patriotic and proud of my Motherland, which managed to protect its independence. On the other hand, though, I fell sorry for soldiers and civils, who sacrificed their lives in order to protect the not only the country, but its new generations.
What I really hate about this day is disrespect for out saviors, which is shown by some of the citizens. I`m really displeased with the fact that the streets are overcrowded with overdrunk people. Besides, some teens don`t understand the importance of this event for everyone and they don`t treat the main symbol of it properly. To put it in another way, they use George Ribbons as lasers! It`s unbelievably rude to our history!
We must be grateful to those who puttheir lives on the altar of the USSR victory. We must keep their memory carefully and appreciate everything they did for us, as we are living just because they are dead.
The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War ended. This year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of this great event. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been built to commemorate the Victory. Many veterans took part in the military parade and laid wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All stood in silence for a minute. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs all day long. A lot of guest from different countries of the world came to Moscow to participate in the celebrations. Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected. We also celebrate Day of the Defender of Motherland on the 23d of February, Easter, Day of knowledge and lots of professional holidays.
Самый большой национальный праздник в нашей стране - День Победы. 9-ого мая 1945, советская Армия и ее союзники полностью побеждали немецких фашистов и Вторую Мировую войну и Большую Патриотическую законченную войну. В этом году мы праздновали 50-ую годовщину этого большого случая. Великолепный мемориал на Poklonnaya Gora был построен, чтобы ознаменовать Победу. Много ветеранов приняли участие на военном параде и положили венки на Могиле Неизвестного Солдата. Все стояли в тишине в течение минуты. Радио и телевидение популярные военные песни целый день. Много гостя от различных стран мира приехало в Москву, чтобы участвовать в празднованиях. День независимости - новый праздник в нашей стране. 12-ого июня 1992, первый президент России был избран. Мы также празднуем День Защитника Родины на 23-ьем из февраля, Пасхи, День знания и большого количества профессионального отпуска.
One of my favorite holidays is The Victory Day. It is the most memorable date in our country. This holiday is celebrated on the 9th of May to commemorate [отмечать] the Victory of the Russian troops [войска] over the Nazi invaders [захватчики]. Love for freedom has been a national character of the Russian people. No enemy has been able to conquer our country. When Russia was attacked by the German army in the 22nd of June, the Russian people one and all, rose up in defence of their Motherland. This war is called The Great Patriotic War. The War lasted for four years and more then twenty million Russian people perished [погибли] during this war. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been in order the Great Victory. Every year this day our family go to the Poklonnaya Gora. We always have many flowers. We present flowers to veterans and make photos. We must never forget this holiday because it is our history. I like this holiday very much.
Перевод текста: My favourite holiday
Один из моего любимого отпуска - День Победы. Это - самая незабываемая дата в нашей стране. Этот праздник празднуется 9-ого мая, чтобы ознаменовать [îòìå÷àòü] Победу российских войск [âîéñêà] по Нацистским захватчикам [çàõâàò÷èêè]. Любовь к свободе была национальным характером российских людей. Никакой враг не был в состоянии завоевать нашу страну. То, когда Россия подверглась нападению немецкой армией в 22-ого июня, российские люди все до одного, повысилось в защиту их Родины. Эту войну называют Большой Патриотической войной. Война длилась в течение четырех лет, и более тогда двадцать миллионов российских людей погибли [ïî ã èáëè] в течение этой войны. Великолепный мемориал на Poklonnaya Gora был то, чтобы Большая Победа. Каждый год в этот день наша семья идет в Poklonnaya Gora. Мы всегда имеем много цветов. Мы представляем цветы ветеранам и делаем фотографии. Мы никогда не должны забывать этот праздник, потому что это - наша история. Я люблю этот праздник очень.
On this fine May holiday - Victory Day we are honored to congratulate our veterans with the Great Victory Day!
