The Day of Remembrance and Sorrow in Russia

10:31, June 22, 2023

The Day of Remembrance and Sorrow is a memorable and important date commemorate annually on 22 June in Russia

The Day of Remembrance and Sorrow is a memorable and important date commemorate annually on 22 June in Russia. This date is the commemoration of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. On 13 June, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Russia declared that 22 June should be marked as the Day for Defenders of the Fatherland. It was established by decree of President of Russia Boris Yeltsin on 8 June 1996.

It was on this day in the summer of 1941 when the terrible war in the history of our country began, which was the main part of the World War II, from 1939 to 1945. In 2023, the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow will fall on a Thursday.

This date is considered the saddest date in Russian history. It marked the beginning of the struggle for liberation from Nazi oppression, not only for the Soviet people, but for the whole world. On this day, people in Russia pay tribute to those who died without seeing Victory, so that their heroism will not be forgotten and the tragedy will not be repeated. Their slogan is the winged phrase "No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten".

On this day, national flags are lowered on the buildings of state institutions, ships of the Russian Navy. Flags with mourning ribbons are instead hung on residential buildings. All entertainment events and broadcasts on television and radio are canceled throughout the day. Commemorative events are held throughout the country, such as the laying flowers and wreaths at monuments honoring the Great Patriotic War. The President of Russia, the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Federation Council, the Chairman of the State Duma, members of the Federal Assembly, and representatives of veteran organizations lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden. 

Commemorative events are held throughout the country, usually beginning with a one minute silence and the laying of flowers at the numerous monuments to the participants in the Great Patriotic War.

Since 2009, the traditional "Candle of Remembrance" event has been held on 22 June. On this day, early in the morning, representatives of various public organisations arrive with lighted candles at the places associated with the events of the Great Patriotic War. Every year the geography of the action expands. It involves not only Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union. The "Candle of Remembrance" event also takes place abroad.

Candles are lit in honor of those who died for Victory and for people to live in peace. In Ekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk Region a minute of silence will be observed on June 22 at 14:15 after the city sirens are sounded. On the night of June 21-22 the "Candle of Remembrance" event was held at the Central Stadium on Repin Street. 1.5 thousand people lit candles in memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. The participants of the action lined up in the word "Remember" with lighted candles in their hands. A virtual candle was also lit on the storefront of the Ekaterinburg Arena Stadium.

On this day we commemorate all those who died in the struggle for the honor, freedom and independence. We bow our heads before the immortal deed of the veterans, honor the memory of all those who died and thank the veterans for standing their ground, winning and giving life to the next generation.

Reference

Early in the morning of June 22, 1941, without a declaration of war, Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union, launching a massive attack on military and strategic facilities and many cities. Thus began the Great Patriotic War, which lasted 1,418 days and nights and in which the Soviet Union lost about 27 million people, but managed to survive.

The news article was translated by UrFU International Marketing Office. 
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