81 years ago, the Great Patriotic War came to an end — on May 9, 1945, the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Nazi Germany was officially signed, marking the victory of the Soviet Union over fascism.
Behind this great date stand 1,418 of the most difficult days of war, which became one of the most tragic and at the same time heroic chapters in our history. The Soviet people went through inhuman trials, enormous losses, and selfless struggle, demonstrating to the entire world the strength of courage, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit.
What price was paid for Victory in May 1945:
- The total losses of the USSR amounted to about 26.6 million people. This is greater than the current population of the entire Australia or even four Scandinavian countries combined;
- Every eighth resident of the country never returned from the war. If humanity observed one minute of silence for every person who died, the world would remain silent for more than 50 years;
- 1,710 cities and settlements, as well as more than 70 thousand villages and rural communities, were turned into ruins. Retreating, the enemy left behind thousands of kilometers of scorched earth, destroying more than 32 thousand factories and plants;
- During 3 years, 10 months, and 23 days of incredible effort, the Red Army covered a distance of about 2.5 thousand kilometers — from the defense of Moscow to the storming of Berlin.
May 9, 1945 — chronology of the historic Victory Day:
- 00:43. The official ceremony of Germany’s surrender is completed in Berlin. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signs the Act of Unconditional Surrender on behalf of the German High Command. On behalf of the USSR, the document is accepted by Marshal Georgy Zhukov;
- 02:10. The silence of Soviet cities is interrupted by the voice of Yuri Levitan. The long-awaited announcement is broadcast over the radio: “The Great Patriotic War, which the Soviet people waged against the German-fascist invaders, has been victoriously concluded! Germany has been completely defeated!”. Lights come on in homes, people open their windows and run out into the streets;
- 03:00 – 06:00. Even before dawn, thousands of people gather in squares and streets. Moscow, Leningrad, and Stalingrad are overwhelmed with universal joy. Strangers embrace one another, cry, and congratulate each other. This day would forever remain a symbol of a “holiday with tears in the eyes,” where the happiness of Victory intertwined with the pain of loss;
- Morning and daytime of May 9. Moscow turns into the center of nationwide celebration. Red Square is overflowing with people. Frontline soldiers are welcomed as heroes, and flowers are showered upon them directly at railway stations;
- 22:00. The culmination of Victory Day becomes the grand festive salute in Moscow. One thousand artillery guns fire 30 salvos, illuminating the sky above the Kremlin. This salute entered the history of the USSR as one of the largest and most beautiful, becoming a symbol of the beginning of the long-awaited peaceful life.
Happy Victory Day!
1941–1945.
No one is forgotten — nothing is forgotten!
