Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk, in office since an uprising overthrew the Kremlin-backed elected president in Kiev in February, rejects Russian allegations that his power is the result of coup backed by neo-Nazi Ukrainian nationalists. The head of the U.S.-led defence pact was speaking in formerly Soviet Estonia, one of a host of east European nations that joined after the collapse of communism, seeking refuge from the power of Moscow, which many in the region regarded as having enslaved them following its victory in World War Two. The United States said the trip to Crimea was provocative, the European Union said Putin should not have used the World War Two commemoration to showcase the annexation and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the visit “inappropriate”. “The iron will of the Soviet people, their fearlessness and stamina saved Europe from slavery,” Putin said in a speech to the military and war veterans gathered on Red Square. The passing tanks, aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles were a reminder to the world - and Russian voters - of Putin’s determination to revive Moscow’s global power, 23 years after the Soviet collapse. The St George ribbon, red carnations and the Red Star medal are seen on Victory Day.Earlier in the day, he had presided over the biggest Victory Day parade in Moscow for years. Red Star medal – a military distinction for bravery.Laying an even number of red carnations at war memorial sites signifies mourning and remembrance. Red carnations – blood red is the color of the Soviet flag under which the veterans had fought.George ribbon – people wear this black-and-yellow ribbon on their clothes or tie it to car antennas as a sign of respect and remembrance. SymbolsĬommon symbols of Victory Day in Russia are: Update: In October 2012, Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree that would extend the Victory Day Celebrations from Thursday, to Sunday, May 12, 2013. Apart from the anniversaries in 19, Victory Day celebrations in the Soviet Union did not feature a military parade. Interestingly, until its 20th anniversary (May 9, 1965), Victory Day was not a major holiday, unlike, for instance, May 1, and was considered a work day. It became the end of the Great Patriotic War for the USSR, which lost about 25 million citizens in the four years of fighting. Victory Day marks Germany’s surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945. There may be changes in public transport routes due to parades and street performances. Public offices, schools and most businesses are closed for the celebrations. Victory Day is a national holiday in Russia. These films are repeated each year but the audience seems to never grow tired of them. They may also watch a favorite Soviet film based on the events of World War II, which is also known as the Great Patriotic War. Neighborhood schools may host a program prepared by the students, featuring wartime songs and poetry.Īt home, families gather around a festive table to honor surviving witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away. Most veterans wear their medals as they head to the parade or an event organized by a local veteran organization.Īnother tradition is to give flowers, usually red carnations, to veterans in the street and to lay wreaths at the war memorial sites. The biggest parade is in Moscow’s Red Square, showcasing Russia’s military forces. Many people attend a local military parade and watch the fireworks at night on Victory Day. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. On this day, TV networks broadcast World War II-inspired films, younger generations honor veterans, and the festivities culminate in a military parade at Moscow’s Red Square. Many Russians celebrate Victory Day on May 9. Business Date to Date (exclude holidays).
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