May 9 — Victory Day all over Eastern European countries, a national holiday which remembers the Victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and honors 20 million Soviets who died in the war.

Victory Day marks the capitulation of Nazi forces to the Allies (the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and other principal Allied nations) in Berlin on May 8, 1945. It is celebrated in the successor states to the Soviet Union on May 9, because when the German Instrument of Surrender was signed (in the midnight), it was already May 9 in the USSR and Eastern Europe. The US, UK and most western European countries mark Victory in Europe Day on May 8.

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 “Great 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.

I’ve lost my Great Grand Father to the battle of Stalingrad.  Although he was komdiv or divisional commander (corresponds to present day lieutenant-general), he was reported MIA.  On this day, I take time to remember him and be thankful for everything that I have. Because I live in a better age and place.

9th May, 2008