Putin’s Speech: President Honors Veterans and Reminds World That Russia Bore Brunt of Fighting in WWII

President Putin:

Esteemed citizens of Russia!

Dear veterans, fellow soldiers and seamen, sergeants and petty officers, warrant officers and midshipmen, fellow officers, generals, and admirals, I congratulate you on Victory Day!

This holiday always has been, is, and will be the dearest, most sacred day for each family in all of our vast country. A day of national pride and eternal undying memory.

 

73 years ago, the Great Patriotic War ended. Nazism was crushed, and its atrocities, madness, and barbarism were terminated, and its plans for world domination were defeated. The defeat of the Nazis was an epic, triumphant victory. This long-awaited word immediately circled the planet. All countries, all peoples back then understood that the outcome of World War II was determined by the Soviet Union that this great sacrificial feat was achieved by our soldiers and our people. It achieved victory at the cost of immense, irreplaceable losses; it defended the honor and independence of our homeland thanks to unparalleled courage on the frontlines and on the home front.

However, attempts are made today to negate this feat of the people who saved Europe and the world from slavery, destruction, and the horror of the Holocaust, to distort the events of the war, to bury the true heroes in oblivion, and to forge, rewrite and corrupt history itself. We will never let this happen.

We must remember the valor of the warriors who gave their lives for the sake of others, of all our soldiers, the brave fighters on the Western Front, of the contribution to victory made by the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition, of the brotherhood-in-arms of those who stood up against Nazism.

We will always take pride in the fact that the Soviet people did not falter and did not give in to the cruel enemy, while some governments preferred the shame of capitulation, hypocritical compromise, or direct cooperation with the Nazis. Our people fought to the death. No other country repelled such an invasion, evacuated millions of people, and thousands of factories while under enemy fire, which practically immediately started to manufacture equipment and munitions for the front. The impossible was achieved. Nobody thought of themselves, and everyone worked heroically, including women and children. For the Motherland, for Victory. For those who were defending our country, their families in the thick of the war. The courage of our warriors is immeasurable. All of them, from privates to generals, fought in the cold and the heat, in small and large footholds. Each defensive line was part of the Fatherland, and for that reason, every one of them was equally important.

Our troops won great victories in the decisive battles for Moscow and Stalingrad, in the battles near Kursk and on the Dnieper, broke the siege of Leningrad, liberated European capitals, and took Berlin in the final assault. Their background did not matter throughout that time: where they came from, what their ethnicity or faith was, or which region or republic of that vast country they lived in before the war, and whether they were drafted or volunteered for the front. Everyone had one Motherland. Everyone fought with as much strength as they had, until the last round, until the last drop of blood.

The 9th of May unites generations through a history of courage. Each family has its own heroes, who live on in our hearts. They are with us in the ranks of the Immortal Regiment. We bow to the cherished memory of all those who did not come back from the war to the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters fellow-soldiers, relatives, and friends. We mourn the veterans who passed away.

Let us observe a minute of silence.

Dear friends! In June 1941, war entered every home, separating loved ones, many of them – forever. It orphaned and deprived hundreds of thousands of children destroyed hopes and plans, and incinerated cities and villages. War is always a challenge to life itself and to all the best it offers. We remember the tragedies of the two world wars; the lessons of history do not let us go blind. New threats bear the same old ugly features: selfishness and intolerance, aggressive nationalism and claims to exclusiveness. We understand the seriousness of these threats. It is important for all countries, all humankind to realize that peace is very fragile and its stability is strengthened by our common desire to listen to, trust, and respect each other. Russia is open to dialogue on all questions related to ensuring global security; it is ready for a constructive equal partnership to bring about agreement, peace, and progress on the planet.

Esteemed veterans! Our gratitude to you knows no limits; our hearts speak about it now. A military parade will be held in honor of your services to the Fatherland. Your lives, scorched by the war, are an eternal example for all generations. We bow to your fierce loyalty to the Motherland. We are honored to be your heirs. We understand the extent of this responsibility and we will never let you down. Pride in your feat makes us stronger. Now a new generation of victors is being built and they will march through the country’s main square. We will always continue your testament, follow your traditions. We will continue to work hard, to achieve success for prosperity and the glory of Russia. The light of your victories, your bravery, and your words will strengthen us along this path.

Happy holiday!

Congratulations on the Day of the Great Victory!

Ura!