President Vladimir Putin: Good day, dear veterans!
Defenders of the Fatherland!
Ladies and gentlemen,
Fifty-nine years ago the Great Patriotic War ended. This was a war that brought untold suffering, deprivation and sacrifice. Every soldier dreamed of seeing Victory in those terrible days as they drove the enemy back from their native land and as they freed Europe from the enemy’s grasp.
This belief that Victory would surely come sustained everyone – those who knew neither sleep nor rest as they toiled on the home front and those who fought in partisan detachments or suffered as prisoners in the hands of the fascists. But all who fought and who managed to survive those four cruel years knew for a certainty that justice would prevail and that retribution would be inevitable.
We can be equally certain that retribution will be inevitable for those with whom we are fighting today. Terrorists will face inevitable retribution.
Both then and now people fought and they still fight today for life, for a peaceful future and for our country’s success. Several generations have already been raised on the examples of steadfastness, patience and courage displayed by the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. The children and grandchildren of the victors know their history, take pride in its glorious traditions and value them as their most precious inheritance.
Dear friends!
The whirlwind of war did not break the faith and spirit of our people.
Only true patriots and worthy sons and daughters of the Fatherland could live in such heroic fashion. They showed the whole world the strength of their character.
These people, these heroes are here today, here among us. Our dear veterans are here now in the Kremlin. And it is to you, the victors, that we offer our most heartfelt and sincere words of gratitude. It is in your honour, in honour of your legendary lives that we speak our congratulations and give you our very best wishes today.
For you, victorious soldiers!
For the strength and prosperity of our Fatherland that you defended and preserved for future generations!
For our army and our navy!
For peace upon Russian soil and the prosperity of our people!
Glory to this Great Victory!