At 12.15 pm on June 22, 1941, loud speakers around the Soviet Union announced that the country had been invaded by Nazi Germany. That day, German planes bombed Kiev (now the capital of Ukraine), Minsk (now the capital of Belarus), Riga (now the capital of Latvia), Sevastopol (Crimea) and other cities and towns. The war lasted 1,418 days and took the lives of over 27 million Soviet people.
It’s not hard to understand why this day is so important for the Russians. Today the flags will be flown at half staff. At 12.15 pm Moscow time, a minute of silence will be observed nationwide. As part of the “Candle of Memory” campaign, volunteers will light candles by the war memorials around the country and abroad, remembering those who perished. Because of the pandemic, people will also be able to light a virtual candle instead of paying their respects in person.
The parades commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory in WWII was rescheduled for June 24, which will be a day off. The main one will take place on Red Square in Moscow. There will also be a special parade held in St. Petersburg.
World War II had a profound impact on generations of people in Russia. Read more about the Siege of Leningrad and see how St. Petersburg celebrated Victory Day over the years.
When it’s safe to visit museums again, you might consider visiting the Blockade Museum, Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad, and the museums at the Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery.
