May 9 — Victory Day: flickering pictures and GIFs

Today, the whole of Russia is celebrating 80 years since the victory in the Great Patriotic War. This is the most long-awaited and important holiday in the country's history. At the same time, it is also a sad day, because the war claimed the lives of millions of citizens, both soldiers and civilians. In honor of the May 9 holiday, Izvestia has prepared beautiful animations and congratulations that can be sent to family and friends.

David Samoilov. The Forties

The Fatal Forties,
Military and frontline,
Where are the funeral notices
And the echelon ties.
The rolling rails are humming.
It's spacious. Cold. High.
And the victims of the fire, the victims of the fire
They roam from west to east...

"Happy Victory Day! May the courage and heroism of this great holiday never be forgotten by anyone. May the spirit of victory inspire hearts and lead us forward to new heights."

"The Great Victory Day has left its mark for centuries. We sincerely thank those who fought, are proud of them, and cherish their eternal memory. May peace, tranquility, friendship, unity flourish around, there will be no wars, losses and tears! May the good always overcome all evil and a peaceful and happy time reign! Happy holidays!"

Alexander Tvardovsky. I was killed near Rzhev

I was killed near Rzhev,
In the nameless swamp,
In the fifth company, on the left,
In a violent raid.
I didn't hear the breakup,
I didn't see that flash., —
It's like falling off a cliff —
And no bottom, no tire.

"May 9th is a great holiday for the whole country. On this day, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude for life and the peaceful sky above my head and wish peace and prosperity, health and happiness, success and well-being. Happy holidays!"

"Happy Victory Day! I wish you to remember and be proud of the history and exploits of our heroes. I wish you world peace and great human happiness!"

Anna Akhmatova. Courage

We know what's on the scales now.
And what is happening now.
The hour of courage has struck on our watch,
And our courage will not leave us.
It's not scary to lie down dead under bullets,
It's not bitter to be homeless,
And we will keep you, Russian speech.,
The great Russian word.
We'll carry you free and clean.,
We'll give them to our grandchildren, and we'll save them from captivity.
Forever.

"We always celebrate Victory Day with a certain sadness. Today we thank our grandfathers and grandmothers for their heroism and bravery, for the peaceful sky and the smiles of the children. I want to wish everyone more kindness, health, peaceful days, true friendship and boundless faith in themselves and in the best in the world. I wish you love, joy, happiness and harmony in your family and soul. Happy holidays!"

"Today, on this solemn holiday, I want to wholeheartedly congratulate you on Victory Day! Let this day be an occasion to remember the willpower, courage and bravery that every person has. Let the holiday become an additional reason to hug your family and enjoy simple but important things: health and happiness."

Olga Bergholts. I'm talking to you while the shells are whistling.

..I'm talking to you while the shells are whistling,
It is illuminated by a gloomy glow.
I'm talking to you from Leningrad.,
My country, a sad country...
The evil, indomitable wind of Kronstadt
the thrown one hits my face.
Children fell asleep in bomb shelters,
The night guard stood at the gate.
There is a death threat over Leningrad...
The nights are sleepless, any day is hard.
But we've forgotten what tears are.,
what was called fear and pleading...

"On this special day, I wish everyone well-being, eternal peace and happy days. May there always be pride in the exploits of the grandfathers and grandmothers who achieved the great victory! Rejoice, live and cherish each other."

"A day when words are not enough, and emotions overwhelm to tears, when the heart is squeezed at the mention of great events, a Great Victory! I would like to wish you a bright, calm sky and that the memory preserves the importance of this day! Happy May 9th!"

"Today, on this wonderful holiday, I want to congratulate the veterans — the most respected residents of our country — and all its citizens! May the memory of this event serve as a symbol of the patriotism and heroism of the Russian people, an example of their courage and sacrifice, perseverance and solidarity, strength and fearlessness. We wish you all health, happiness and a peaceful sky. Happy anniversary of the Great Victory!"

They don't put crosses on mass graves.,
And widows don't cry over them.,
Someone brings bouquets of flowers to them.,
And the Eternal Flame is lit.
The ground used to rear up here,
And now there are granite slabs.
There is not a single personal destiny here —
All the destinies are merged into one...

"Today is a truly great holiday - Victory Day. Today, exactly 80 years later, the sky overhead has become peaceful again. It is a pity that there are so few left who have gone through this difficult battle. Let's thank them for their bravery and heroism. I want to wish them good health and long life. Since May 9th!"

"Congratulations on Victory Day from the bottom of my heart! I would like to express my endless gratitude to all those who fought for the future of our Motherland, the survivors and the dead. I wish each of you never to forget about the heroes of the past, because the memory of them brings up the heroes of the present. Happy Victory Day!"

"May 9 is not only a beautiful spring day, but also an unforgettable, memorable date — Victory Day. There are very few people left who are directly related to this holiday, to whom we personally must now bow at their feet and thank them for their bravery and sacrifice. May the memory of them not fade away for many more years! Happy anniversary of the Great Victory!"

Andrey Dementyev The Ballad of the Mother

My mother has aged over the years,
But there is no news from my son.
But she keeps waiting.,
Because she believes, because she's a mother.
And what does she hope for?
It's been many years since the war ended.
It's been many years since everyone came back,
Except for the dead that lie in the ground.
How many are there in that distant village,
There were no beardless boys...

Eduard Asadov. Remember

Victory Day. And in the fireworks lights
Like thunder: "Remember forever,
What's in the battles every minute,
Yes, literally every minute
Ten people died!"
How to understand and make sense of it:
Ten strong, vigorous, young,
Full of faith, joy and light
And alive, desperately alive!...

"Valor, bravery, loyalty and honor — all these qualities were once shown by current veterans and already deceased soldiers to defend their Homeland. I wish all these qualities to you: people who remember and honor the Great Victory Day. May the love of the Motherland never leave you and keep warmth in your soul. Happy Victory Day!"