The telegram reads, in part:
“Your annual colourful parade has acquired its stable traditions and has become a noticeable event in Moscow’s public and cultural life. Every year the universal language of art brings ever more people into its orbit. It unites artistic groups from different countries and brings joy with its abundant programme.
The main theme of this year’s festival is an important historical date – the 100th anniversary of World War I. This is our tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes, to the heroic feats of our compatriots who have gone through the trials and tribulations of war with honour. The lessons learned then remain topical today. They demonstrate how fragile the world is, that in relations between states and peoples the leading role should be given to principles of good-neighbourliness, tolerance, mutual respect and humanism.
I am certain that the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival will be a great success and will leave the participants and guests with bright impressions.”