Happy Victory Day 2025: Soviet postcards and heartfelt pictures
The 80th anniversary of the Great Victory is celebrated in Russia on May 9. On this holiday, which is a day off, veterans are honored and the memory of those who died during the Great Patriotic War is honored. Every year, Russians congratulate each other on the occasion by sending postcards and warm greetings. Izvestia has prepared a selection of Soviet-era postcards, as well as beautiful pictures with inscriptions that can be shared with loved ones.
Postcards from the times of the USSR Happy Victory Day
The war lasted for almost four years and ended with the complete defeat of the Fascist troops. The Soviet army met May 1945 in Berlin. The offensive, which began in mid—April, ended less than a month later on May 2. And already late in the evening on May 8 — May 9, Moscow time — the act of unconditional surrender of Germany was signed.
The long-awaited victory was announced to the citizens by announcer Yuri Levitan, whose voice is known to all front-line soldiers: "On May 8, 1945, in Berlin, representatives of the German High Command signed the act of unconditional surrender of the German armed forces. The Great Patriotic War, which was waged by the Soviet people against the Nazi invaders, has been victoriously completed, Germany has been completely defeated," he read out the message of the Soviet Information Bureau.
Shortly before that, a decree was issued by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR declaring May 9 Victory Day. Festive events were held all over the country. People took to the streets en masse, hugged and congratulated each other. Many of them couldn't hold back their tears.
Even during the war, letters on special letterheads were used, which became the first prototypes of greeting cards from May 9th. Closer to the end of the battles, flowers and fireworks began to appear on them as harbingers of an early victory.
After May 1945, they were decorated with the inscriptions "With victory over Germany!", and a little later — "With victory over Japan!" in honor of the signing of the act of surrender of Japan and the end of World War II.
Postcards began to gain special popularity by the 20th anniversary of Victory Day. Their main symbol was the number "9". She was depicted as a ribbon or branches of a blooming lilac. The second largest number of images was the Order of the Great Patriotic War.
In the 70s and 80s, when postcards were printed in huge numbers, the main character was a soldier, a liberator warrior. But he was already portrayed without a rifle. St. George's ribbons, red carnations, doves of peace, hero cities and, of course, the image of a fighter hoisting the Victory Banner over the Reichstag were also popular.
Happy Victory Day on May 9th: the best pictures
And today, Victory Day postcards serve as a vehicle for the brightest feelings — respect and appreciation for the soldiers who liberated the world from fascism. And with the development of modern technology, it has become possible to send not only printed, but also animated or musical postcards.
Besides, you don't have to go to the post office right now. Congratulations can be sent by e-mail, in social networks or messengers. However, some people still prefer to send Victory Day postcards by mail.
This tradition, which was peculiar to our grandparents, is coming back again. After all, nothing conveys the depth of feelings like a handwritten greeting, especially for veterans and representatives of the older generation.
We remember, we are proud: postcards and pictures with inscriptions and wishes
Every year there are fewer and fewer participants in the Great Patriotic War. The task of the descendants is to preserve the memory of the heroic feat of our grandfathers and great—grandfathers, which they accomplished in the name of freedom and peace on Earth.
On this great day for the whole country, veterans are wished a festive spring mood, health, well-being, and long life. They also say thank you for the peaceful sky and the new blooming May.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
