День Победы

Victory day in Russia Moscow, 2025 Students of U-18 group

Every year on May 9th, Russia and many other countries celebrate Victory Day – the day when Nazi Germany surrendered in 1945, ending World War II (also called the Great Patriotic War in Russia). This day is very important because it honors the millions of people who fought and died for freedom. On this day, there are parades, concerts, and fireworks. The biggest parade is in Moscow, on Red Square, where soldiers march and military vehicles show the strength of the country. People also give flowers, especially red carnations, to war veterans as a sign of respect. In many cities, there is an Eternal Flame that never stops burning. It reminds people of those who never returned from the war. Families come to lay flowers and remember their grandparents and great-grandparents who fought. Many people wear a black and orange ribbon called the St. George Ribbon. It is a symbol of bravery and victory. When someone gives you this ribbon, it means "Thank you for the peace you gave us." Even though the war ended 80 years ago, people still remember it because it was a time of great sadness and heroism. We must never forget the lessons of war and always work for peace. Gydelenkova Anastasia U-18

Young people, like other participants in the celebration of May 9 (Victory Day), can participate in various events dedicated to the memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War. Some of them are: •The Immortal Regiment march. Participants take to the streets with portraits of the heroes to honor their memory. •Meetings with veterans. At such events, veterans can share stories and experiences, which creates an emotional bond between generations and strengthens a sense of patriotism. •Thematic events in schools and universities. These can be exhibitions, contests, theatrical performances, lessons of courage. •Quests and historical games. Such events allow young people to actively participate in the process and better understand the meaning of Victory Day. •Guided tours of memorable places. For example, you can visit a memorial, the Grave of an Unknown Soldier, or a monument. Concerts, film screenings with documentaries are also often held in cities on May 9, and exhibitions dedicated to the war are held in museums and libraries. Kuzubova Margarita, U-18

Modern youth celebrate May 9 (Victory Day) in a variety of ways, combining traditional forms of commemoration with modern approaches:   Visiting memorial events: Many young people participate in parades, lay flowers at the Eternal Flame and other monuments. Volunteering and helping veterans: Young people actively participate in volunteer movements, providing assistance to veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Participation in events and flash mobs: Young people organize and participate in various events, such as the "Immortal Regiment", flash mobs, thematic concerts and exhibitions. Using social networks: Young people actively use social networks to spread information about Victory Day, share stories of their ancestors, publish photos and videos from festive events. Watching films and reading books about the war: Many young people watch films about the Great Patriotic War on this day, read books, listen to songs of the war years. Family Traditions: Many families have their own traditions for celebrating Victory Day, which are passed down from generation to generation. Young people participate in these traditions, maintaining a connection with the history of their family and country. Neshurina Sofia, U-18

Young people celebrate May 9 by participating in actions such as the Immortal Regiment, where people march in a column with portraits of veterans, and the St. George Ribbon, distributing and attaching the Victory symbol. Many attend concerts, patriotic festivals, and meetings with veterans to hear their stories. On social media, young people post posts, stories, and participate in flash mobs with hashtags like #Let's remember and be proud. In the evening, they often watch war films or listen to wartime songs. Some are engaged in volunteering — they help veterans, clean monuments and war memorials. The main thing for young people on this day is to preserve the memory of the feat of their ancestors and express gratitude for the Victory. Bykova Julia, U-18

Every year on May 9, our yard turned into a place of memory and joy. In the morning, the guys and I were gathering at the monument to veterans, where there were already high school students with St. George's ribbons. They distributed them to everyone, and we proudly put them on our chests.   Then the concert began. Grandma Lida, who was a nurse in the war, told how she carried the wounded from the battlefield. We listened with breath, although we knew the story by heart. After that, local musicians performed - they played "Katyusha", and we sang along.   In the evening, parents came with barbecues, turned on old military songs, and even a strict neighbor Uncle Vova, who usually grumbled at our noise, silently raised a toast to the Victory today. And when it got dark, we launched flashlights into the sky and watched them float away into the darkness, like letters to those who did not return.   And although the war for us is just pages in the textbook, on this day it seemed closer. Because May 9 is not just a date. This is our common story Antipova Ksenia, U-18

May 9th is one of the most significant holidays in our country. This is Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War — a day of remembrance, pride and gratitude to all those who defended their Homeland. We remember the heroes who gave their lives for freedom, and we thank the veterans, thanks to whom we live in peace. For young people, May 9th is not just a day off. Many people participate in the Immortal Regiment campaign, carry portraits of their great-grandfathers, read poems about the war, and share the stories of their families. Someone helps in organizing concerts, rallies, and volunteer actions. Schools and universities host themed events, class hours, and exhibitions. This helps young people to better understand the significance of this day. In the evening, young people, along with their families and friends, go to watch fireworks. The fire show in the sky evokes a sense of pride and unity. Many people post photos and videos, share emotions on social networks, thereby showing that they also remember and honor the history of their country. May 9th is a day when you feel the connection of generations especially strongly and realize that memory is alive as long as we talk about it and pass it on. Osnovina Ksenia, U-18

Young people celebrate May 9 in different ways, but in general, for many it is a day of remembrance and respect for history. Here are 10 suggestions on how it might look like: 1. Many young people participate in laying flowers at memorials and monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. 2. They come to festive concerts and parades to feel the atmosphere of unity and pride for their country. 3. Young people often participate in volunteer actions, helping veterans and cleaning memorabilia. 4. Some people wear a St. George ribbon as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude. 5. On social networks, young people share photos and stories of their great-grandfathers who participated in the war. 6. Many people watch movies and read books about the war to better understand and experience the events of that time. 7. Some organize themed parties or meetings with friends dedicated to Victory Day. 8. Young people participate in patriotic actions such as the Immortal Regiment, carrying photos of their veteran relatives. 9. They discuss the importance of preserving peace and preventing a repeat of the tragic events of the war. Maslova Victoria U-18

May 9 is an important date for all Russians, as it is Victory Day over fascism in the Great Patriotic War. The celebration of this day has become a tradition, and young people play a significant role in honoring it. 1. Parades and processions Young people actively participate in parades and processions taking place in Russian cities. One of the most significant events is the Immortal Regiment campaign, in which people carry photos of their relatives who participated in the war. Young people willingly take part in this action, demonstrating respect for the memory of their ancestors. 2. Concerts and festivals Concerts and festivals dedicated to Victory Day are organized in major cities. Youth groups and performers perform on stages, singing wartime songs and modern compositions dedicated to patriotism. 3. Volunteer actions Many young people take part in volunteer actions. They help veterans, organize the cleaning of monuments and memorials, and also participate in fundraising to support veterans. 4. Creative projects Young people also create various creative projects dedicated to Victory Day. These can be exhibitions, theatrical productions, or videos that tell about the heroism of soldiers and the importance of remembering the war. Smykova Nina U-18

The 9th of May is a significant date in Russia, marking Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This day is not only a national holiday but also a deeply emotional occasion that resonates with the memories of sacrifice, heroism, and resilience. For teenagers in Russia, this day holds a unique significance as they navigate their identities in a rapidly changing world while honoring their country's history. Victory Day has been celebrated since 1945, and it has evolved into a major public holiday characterized by parades, fireworks, and various commemorative events. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the importance of patriotism. For many teenagers, this day is an opportunity to connect with their heritage and understand the historical context of their nation. Family plays a crucial role in how teenagers experience Victory Day. Many families have their own traditions, such as visiting memorials, attending local events, or sharing stories about their relatives who fought in the war. These traditions help instill a sense of responsibility in young people to remember and honor the past, while also fostering a sense of belonging within their families and communities. Fatullaeva Aysel U-18

Modern youth actively participates in the celebration of Victory Day, combining traditions and new formats. Many young people join actions such as the Immortal Regiment, carrying portraits of their heroic ancestors. This helps to preserve the memory of the feat of generations. Thematic meetings, concerts and exhibitions are held in schools and universities, where students and schoolchildren read poetry, sing military songs and show theatrical performances. Historical quests are also popular, which introduce the events of the war in a playful way. On social networks, young people post greetings, archive photos and stories of veterans using the hashtags #9maya and #We remember proud. Some participate in flash mobs, for example, they sing the song "Victory Day" or upload a video with a St. George ribbon. In the evening, many people gather for fireworks, and in large cities for patriotic concerts with the participation of youth groups. Thus, Victory Day remains an important holiday that unites generations. Katorgina Uliana U-18