Victory Day in Russia
Unlike other holidays, The Victory Day in Russia isn't just another day to rest at home. This day unites all Russians with a memory of heroic deed of our grandfathers. Thanks to them, we exist as a nation - and as human beings.
Doesn't sound like me, I know. I usually avoid dramatic tone, but in this case - I'm willing to sign under every single letter! Just thinking what evil we had to fight give me chills. Have no illusions - if Nazis won back then - I wouldn't be writing this. Heck, I wouldn't even be alive!
...after all, the Slavs were just a bit "better" than Jews in terms of German "racial theory".
Upd. Want to see how Victory Day is celebrated in Moscow region? Visit this page, and I'll show you the 2009 parade in the city of Chekhov!
And so, once a year, on 9th of May, we congratulate each other with this wonderful date. The entire country celebrates, parades are held, we listen to "Den' Pobedy"" - a great song about Victory. And veterans - they quietly sit together to remember how it was...
My grandfather didn't like to tell of that time. I remember he was recruited when he was 17, and sent straight to the frontlines.
Seen "Enemy At The Gates"? Remember how the soldiers had to share one rifle for two men? Well, my grandpa had it even worse. He actually received a wooden dummy rifle - to scare off the well-equipped Germans...
Yep, that's how it was - at least in the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. The Red Army was ill-equipped and unprepared for the German assault. The "official" historians will tell you different things, but I tend to believe my "dedushka" (grandpa).
I consider him a hero, together with all the brave soldiers and officers who fought during the War. Needless to say, not all of them returned home, including my grandfather's brother. But they did what needed to be done - with wooden rifles, a couple of grenades and a glass of vodka before the assault on enemy lines.
These days, many Russian politicians claim the Victory was entirely Stalin's achievement, that only thanks to his brilliant planning and preparation we managed to succeed.
I don't want get into politics, but I completely, totally disagree - and I don't want to see his portrait on the Victory Day in Russia!
The first months and even years of the War, Wehrmacht was advancing like a hot knife through butter - the USSR was totally helpless. No fortifications, no communications, no experience - even not enough firearms! Plus - no efficient command, as the most experienced Soviet generals were either shot or imprisoned.
As the result - millions dead.
The way I see it, Stalin fell victim of his own intrigues. Paranoid to say the least, he still managed to miss the biggest threat for him. And yet the USSR had every chance not only to repel the invasion, but to make it never even happen...
The soldiers were heroes - the leaders were not. End of story - for me, at least. But as I said - I don't want to get too political. Instead, let's commemorate the brave deeds of those who saved the world from the terror of Nazism.
To you, grandpa. I'll always remember!
Related posts:
- Novodevichy Convent - The Tales Of Novodevichy Monastery
- Victory Day in Russia 2009. City of Chekhov, Moscow region.
- VDNH - a great place to stroll!
- The Kremlin
- St Basil Cathedral - a must see!
- Russian Orthodox Easter
- Celebrating Russian Orthodox Christmas
- Russian New Year - a complete guide!
- Russian holidays page 3
- Russian holidays page 2