MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Maxim Krans) – One Russian poet succinctly called Victory Day a holiday with tears. This is very true; in Russia May 9 is the day of triumph and gratitude to those who won the worst war – WWII. Russia played a main role in this war – no Allied country can compare in the number of destroyed enemy divisions, freed territories, or any other indicator.
But at the same time, this is a day of memory, a day of mourning, because it reminds one of the millions of Russian compatriots who were killed in action, tortured by the Nazis, died of hunger and backbreaking labor, or became disabled and suffered greatly. The last figure of the number of casualties is over 27 million, although it is probably closer to 30 million. Even China, which was involved in WWII seven years before it started in Europe, did not sustain such losses. The main victor of the war was also its main victim.
Sixty three years have passed since its end, but for many Russians this war is not a page in history but a part of their lives. It has left eternal wounds and mourning of losses in the hearts of people. This is why they innately feel it and pass to the generations to come.
There is probably no other country that cherishes so much the memories of WWII. In Russia, it is called the Great Patriotic War, similar in name to the 1812 Russian-French war called the Patriotic War, when the Russian people had to defend their independence in the fierce struggle against foreign invaders.
Every year on May 9, Russia honors its heroes. This is a special holiday for the country, which is shown through the polls that are traditionally conducted on the eve of May 9. The leading pollster, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), has established that almost 60% of Russians lost their kith and kin in the war. Every fifth family had to leave its home. It is no surprise that today people remember the war years – relatives were killed or injured in 88% of families.
Of course, such memories mostly affect the older generations – those who went to war, worked at the home front, or who were children at the time. However, polls show that frequent complaints of seniors about the younger generation’s attitude towards the war, and different appraisals of it are not fair. Young people are interested in the war. Another poll by VTsIOM showed that in the last year, one third of Russians between the ages of 18 and 24 read books about the war, met veterans, visited war museums and memorials, and 86% saw movies about the war.
Recently, the St George Ribbon campaign has become a symbol of people’s memory about its heroic past. It was initiated by RIA Novosti and the Student Community youth organization four years ago. Now, on the eve of Victory Day, people attach ribbons with black and orange stripes to their car antennas, jackets, rucksacks, or beds in hospitals for veterans. Orange and black are the traditional colors of Soviet and Russian awards for achievements in combat. This is how the Russian people express their gratitude to those who have protected the independence of their state, and saved it from Nazism – both to those who are alive and dead, to those who are known and unknown.
This campaign is accompanied by the slogan “I remember! I’m proud!” and has won the hearts of millions. Last year, more than 10 million ribbons were distributed, and this year about four million have been handed out in Moscow alone according to a tentative estimate. Now many foreigners have also joined the campaign. According to some estimates, almost 50 countries are taking part in it this year.
Polls confirm the popularity of the St George ribbons. According to the estimates of the Public Opinion Foundation (POF), almost three quarters of Russians – 73% – support this patriotic action; last year one in five Russians took part in it, whereas this year, according to Bashkirova&Partners, 53% expressed their wish to participate.
Victory Day is celebrated in a big way in many countries, but probably only in Russia and the CIS countries is it a truly national holiday. This fact is borne out by a poll conducted by the research holding Romir on the eve of the holiday. More than 50% of those polled said that they will celebrate May 9 at home or at dacha (a summer house). A quarter of those polled are going to watch a military parade, and as many will go to watch the salute; one in seven intended to take part in holiday events.
Here are two more relevant figures. May 9 continues to be an important day for 92% of Russians (in the POF’s estimate); according to VTsIOM, 58% believe that the results of the war are Russia’s biggest victory in its entire history, and that its role will continue to grow in the future.
Russian society has not been so unanimous on any other event in its history.
