“Eternal Flame” – a symbol of remembrance
May 9, 2022 marks the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. In order for this to happen, many countries of the world, and above all Europe, took a direct part. However, it is historically recognized that the largest contribution was made by the Soviet Union, which gave a harsh repulse to the Nazi invaders on its territory, causing the deaths of nearly 30 million Soviet citizens.
Victory itself was both a great blessing for those who took part in the war and a tragedy for the relatives of those who died. However, today the children and grandchildren of soldiers and officers who fought against Nazism honor the memory of their fathers and organize festive events. Obviously, the largest events are held in Russia, the country that suffered the greatest loss of life. And even today, in an era of negative attitudes toward the Russian Federation as the country that unleashed the war in Ukraine, celebrations of this greatest event take place all over the world. Moreover, in many countries these celebrations have been banned under various pretexts, such as internal security, restrictions due to COVID-19. Despite this, citizens of various countries around the world take to the streets with the now banned “St. George’s ribbons,” military uniforms, and say thank you both to their relatives who won the war and to the Russian soldier who brought peace to their land.
The main way to honor the memory of World War II veterans remains the “Immortal Regiment” action, which takes place all over the world. This year is not an exception.
France:
“Immortal regiment” in Paris
Spain:
“Immortal regiment” in Madrid
The action ended successfully despite attempts by Ukrainian provocateurs to disrupt it
Morocco:
“Immortal regiment” in Rabat, Morocco
As part of the “Garden of Memory” campaign, trees were planted at the Russian diplomatic mission in memory of those who died during the World War II
Venezuela:
The “Immortal Regiment” event is held in Caracas for the first time
Lebanon:
“Immortal Regiment” in Beirut, Lebanon
The action gathered on the streets of Beirut, Lebanese citizens who graduated from Soviet and Russian universities. Anti-fascist slogans were displayed during the action
Serbia:
Mass action “Immortal Regiment” in Belgrade, Serbia
The participants not only paid tribute to veterans, but also supported the current president of Russia.
Germany:
“Immortal regiment” in Berlin, Germany
Honors from descendants of war veterans
A creative way around the ban on “St. George’s Ribbon”
Italy, where in addition to commemorative events there was also a political action against NATO and Biden (in the city of Verona):
“Immortal regiment” in Rome, Italy
Procession of protesters through the streets of Rome
“Immortal regiment” in Milan, Italy
In the post-Soviet space, the events were also active.
Kazakhstan, where the action was given a new name – “Let’s Revere the Heroes”. This year it was held only in the city of Almaty.
The event attracted more than 20 thousand people
One of the most important parts of the event was the laying of flowers on the tomb of the unknown soldier
Illustrative image
Uzbekistan:
In Uzbekistan, incumbent President Shovkat Mirziyoyev also participates in the events
Military formation before the flower laying ceremony
Belarus:
Official flower laying ceremony
Belarusian veterans follow to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The “Immortal Regiment” action was held all over Belarus
Moldova:
Civil festive procession in honor of Victory Day in Chisinau
In Gagauzia, celebrations were held in which the banned “St. George’s ribbon” was used. Parliament did not pass the Moldovan law
Victory Day rally
Even in the U.S. events took place, albeit in an online format. Pro-Russian media and social networks are full of information about those who share the unacceptability of banning the identification of the USSR and Nazi Germany.
Our main task as descendants is not to allow the mixing of politics and history and not to forget the deeds of our ancestors.
