Russians will do everything to be worthy of the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Vladimir Putin said this today at a state reception in the Kremlin where he went after laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Such a reception is annually given on Victory Day by the president. Its main guests on this day are veterans. Today, they were again honored in St. George's Hall.
Front-line veterans shared their impressions with our reporter Alexey Petrov.
From the parade to Alexander Garden which is inseparable from the soldiers' deed. The president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin wall. Together with him, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, speakers of both houses of parliament, members of the government, deputies, and, of course, veterans, participated in the ceremony. This is the holiday where pain and sadness coexist with pride. Red carnations are laid on the monuments of the hero-cities, including Kiev and Odessa.
Then, Vladimir Putin headed to the Grand Kremlin Palace. Veterans gathered there are under the impression of the parade.
"This is an outstanding parade, a wonderful parade. I participated in many such parades".
Here are those who went through the war, labored in the rear, whose childhood and youth were scorched by the Great Patriotic War. Each of them contributed to the victory. This is a state reception but the atmosphere is unofficial and warm. Here is the head of state congratulating his former chief, Lazar Lazarevich Matveev, who in the 1980s oversaw the Soviet intelligence group in Dresden where Putin worked at the time.
Among the guests was Vera Dmitrievna Gurevich. She taught German at the school where Vladimir Putin studied. This is the unbroken generation gone through all the ordeals.
Valentina Semenovna Belousova is part of it as well. She went through the war to its very last day.
Valentina Belousova: "When we heard Levitan announce "Victory!" on the radio, our happiness was unlimited".
Vladimir Putin: "Victory Day reminds today's generation of duty, deed, and perseverance, stressed the president. The Great Victory Day was given to us by the fate of the country, so that our memory, conscience, and vigilance would never fade. We celebrate this holiday warmly, solemnly, with filial pride. And with such heartfelt feelings that are difficult to express in words. All our people honor and thank the victorious generation. We, your heirs, will do everything to be worthy of you, dear veterans, in order to fulfill your main commandment — to protect the Motherland".
On the proposal of the head of state, people gathered there raised their glasses to honor the great victory and those who made it possible. They are the people who became the moral core. Each of the veterans has their own frontline biography but the victory is one for all.
"I remember with tears in my eyes! This is a great day to remember that we won!"
There are songs for the veterans without which this holiday is simply unthinkable. The state reception in the Kremlin isn't just a congratulation. It is a sign of special attention of the state to veterans, to the generation that changed the course of world history. The victors will hear warm words today more than once.
Alexey Petrov, Irina Vinogradova, Anton Kasimovich, Dmitry Vishkevich, VESTI.
