May 9, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War

Victory Day (День Победы) is one of the most important holidays in Russia and some former Soviet countries. It is held on May 9 every year to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II (the Great Patriotic War) in 1945.

This holiday carries profound historical significance and national sentiment. On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender (effective at midnight Berlin time). Due to the time difference, it was already early morning on May 9 in Eastern Europe where the Soviet Union was located, so the Soviet Union set Victory Day on May 9. This war was called the "Great Patriotic War" (1941–1945) in the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union paid a huge sacrifice, with about 27 million soldiers and civilians killed, becoming the country with the heaviest casualties in World War II. Victory Day has become a legal holiday in the Soviet Union since 1945, but the celebration was small during Stalin's period. In 1965, Brezhnev restored it as a national grand holiday and began to hold large-scale military parades. Russia holds a grand military parade on Red Square in Moscow on May 9 every year, showing military equipment, soldier formations and tributes to World War II veterans.

The president usually gives a speech, emphasizing historical lessons and patriotism. The Immortal Regiment Parade (Бессмертный полк) is a popular folk activity that has emerged in recent years. People hold photos of their relatives who participated in the Great Patriotic War and march to form a "human chain memory" to express their remembrance of their ancestors. This activity is widely spread in Russia and other countries. People pay tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the War Monument with flowers and wreaths. Common symbols include the orange and black striped "St. George Ribbon". The whole country observes a minute of silence, and a memorial ceremony is held in the church. Classic war movies and songs are played, concerts and historical exhibitions are held, and the elders tell war stories to the younger generation during family dinners.

Victory Day is the core symbol of Russia's national pride, emphasizing the decisive role of the Soviet Union in the anti-fascist war and is regarded as a symbol of national spirit. It is the continuation of historical memory. As veterans of World War II gradually pass away, Russia strengthens historical inheritance through education, media and public activities to prevent the memory of the war from being diluted.

Many European countries celebrate "European Victory Day" (VE Day) on May 8, while Russia's May 9th has become a unique commemoration due to time differences and differences in historical narratives. Some Eastern European countries have a complex attitude towards Victory Day due to the post-war influence of the Soviet Union. Russia's Victory Day is not only a historical node to commemorate the victory of the anti-fascist war, but also an important carrier of national identity. It passes on the memory of the war from generation to generation through solemn ceremonies and folk activities, and also reflects the evolution of historical interpretation in different eras and political contexts.