3 years 10 months and 18 days was how long that gory war lasted, the war that claimed some 26,452,000 of lives in the Soviet Union alone, the war that took at least one life in every family in Russia/Newly Independent States, mine included… And today the world is already celebrating the 65th anniversary of victory over fascism in the World War II.

Happy Victory Day, world!!

As I was watching the military parade in Moscow today (see picture above), as well as documentaries on the subject (via my satellite TV), I was once again stuck by the heroic feat of the Soviet people in that war. They had to face 3/4 of all Nazi forces on the East Front. Many of them lost their families and loved ones in Stalin’s concentration camps and purges prior to the war; yet they fought for their land, and their people, for the world’s freedom from evil… and they have won!

I bow my head in honor, and deepest gratefulness to those who fought this war, and brought this Great Victory. There is so much I am yet to learn from these great people!

Happy Victory Day to all of my readers!! Let us never forget the heroism of those who fought, not sparing their own lives – so that we may live…

Not all countries celebrate it (which is really surprising to me), and some have celebrated it yesterday*, but being Russian, I commemorate the Day of Victory over the Nazi Germany on May 9. My grandfather fought that terrible war for all 4 year, while my wife’s grandmothers lived through the horrific 900-day siege of Leningrad… How blessed we are to have the freedom that so many gave their lives for!

Happy Victory Day, Everyone!!

Let us not forget those who fought, and gave lives for our freedom. Let’s remember them today.

Happy Victory Day, everyone!!

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* The difference in dates of celebration between most of Europe and Russia stems from the time difference. The German Instrument of Surrender entered into force on May 8, 1945 at 23:01 CET, which was already May 9, 01:01 am Moscow Time.