Russia on the eve of the 72nd anniversary of the victory over fascism.

(Baonghean) - During our journey through the vast birch forests of Russia on the 72nd anniversary of Victory Day over Fascism (May 9, 1945 - 2017), we - the delegation of officials and reporters from Nghe An Newspaper - often encountered touching scenes of Russian people tending to small memorials in remote farms and towns. At each location, an eternal flame was lit alongside vibrant red roses, a solemn tribute to the worker-peasant soldiers who fell in the Great Patriotic War.

Victory Day celebrations are taking place in Palace Square - Saint Petersburg.

We arrived in Russia just as the country was preparing for the 72nd anniversary of Victory Day, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in World War II (May 9, 1945 - 2017).

As the anniversary approaches, Red Square and other areas surrounding the Kremlin in Moscow are temporarily closed to visitors in preparation for the large-scale traditional military parade featuring 28 impressive marching units. Only the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with its eternal flame, remains open, reserved for the continuous stream of veterans from across Russia and former Soviet republics who come to lay flowers in remembrance of their fallen comrades.

Celebrations of Victory Day were also taking place in many other locations across Russia. The Museum of the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill, west of Moscow, was open continuously, welcoming thousands of visitors every day. Many veterans of the Soviet Red Army, including old generals, exclaimed in surprise when they learned we were from Vietnam and expressed their warm feelings with firm handshakes, repeatedly calling out "Vietnam! Vietnam...", and taking many commemorative photos with us.

A conversation with a former Russian army veteran, Colonel D. Anatoly, shared: “The annual anniversary of the victory over fascism on May 9th has become the biggest celebration for the Russian people and the country. I belong to the generation after the soldiers who participated in that great Patriotic War, but I still feel the glorious pain our nation endured to achieve victory. I know that the Vietnamese people also suffered many losses to achieve victory and peace as we have today…” The victory of May 9, 1945, strongly spurred the national liberation movements worldwide. At the Museum of the Patriotic War 1941-1945 in Moscow, there are exhibits about revolutionary movements in various countries; Vietnam is also given a prominent place.

The eternal flame in Moscow's Victory Park.

Having accompanied us on our journeys from Moscow to Suzdal, Vladimir, and other places, Mr. V. Salav, a Russian driver, expressed his deep affection for the Vietnamese people. He said that this trip with us made him feel even closer to them and that he hoped to visit Vietnam someday. He enthusiastically stated: "The victory in the 1941-1945 war is not only a source of pride for Russia but also for the entire peace-loving world." He was born and raised in two eras – the Soviet Union and present-day Russia – but for Russians like him, the victory over fascism holds a profound meaning and is forever cherished...

Indeed, throughout the streets of Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and along the routes connecting Russian cities, on signs, at bus stops, and in public spaces, flags, banners, and images depicting the struggles and victories of a generation of workers, peasants, and soldiers of the Soviet Union are everywhere.

At a small bakery near the Palace of Catherine II in Saint Petersburg, the owner had set up a miniature exhibition space dedicated to Victory Day. We saw letters written by Red Army soldiers between battles to their families, pieces of bread salvaged from the trenches, and even newspaper articles reporting on the war printed 72 years ago.

On May 6th, we arrived at Palace Square (Winter Palace) – the central square of Saint Petersburg, where a large and solemn celebration was taking place. Alongside the large military bands from various branches practicing and reviewing day and night, there were also sports teams gathering to compete, and public works units busily setting up stages and grandstands. Our guide, Ianna, who was born and raised in Saint Petersburg, said that every year on Victory Day, May 9th, although there isn't a large parade like in Moscow, the activities in Palace Square here are always eagerly awaited by the people and tourists with great pride and emotion.

A reporter from Nghe An Newspaper spoke with Colonel D. Anatoly at the War Museum in Moscow, Russia.

According to information released to the press by Russian authorities, the May 9th parade on Red Square by the Russian armed forces will include a large contingent of military cadets and soldiers from various branches of the armed forces, from the Western Military District to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, from the National Guard to the Federal Security Service. Of particular note will be the display of military equipment featuring a range of the most advanced weaponry and technologies...

But above all, what is most significant about this annual commemoration in Russia is the reaffirmation of humanity's love for peace and the price paid for victory. And the lessons of the 72-year war against fascism remain relevant to the contemporary world. Being fortunate enough to be in Russia during these days has allowed us to understand this better...

Reporters' Team

(Email from the Russian Federation)