Volgograd Marks 83rd Anniversary of Stalingrad Victory
On February 2, Volgograd marked the 83rd anniversary of the defeat of the 6th German Army under Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus. Authorities explained the modest scale of the celebration by the fact that the date is not a round number.
Race and Temporary Renaming
The festive events began on February 1 with the 79th athletic run, for which Zero Longitudinal was closed. On the same day, road signs at the city entrances were replaced from «Volgograd» to «Stalingrad».
In the morning of February 2, Governor Andrey Bocharov, World War II veteran Alexander Medkov, special military operation veterans, as well as representatives of authorities and the public laid wreaths and flowers at the Eternal Flame on the mass grave of Stalingrad defenders.
Ceremonies at Mamayev Kurgan
Then the participants moved to Mamayev Kurgan, where they laid flowers at the steles of hero cities. There, a monument to Yamal soldiers — defenders of Stalingrad — was unveiled. The composition made of Karelian granite is in the form of a chum (a traditional nomadic tent) with an image of the northern lights. According to the administration, about 9,000 people were conscripted from the Yamalo-Nenets District during the war, of which participation in the Battle of Stalingrad is confirmed for 160, and 42 were awarded the medal «For the Defense of Stalingrad».
State Duma deputy Alexey Volotskov congratulated his fellow countrymen: «Many years ago, it was at this very place that a decisive rebuff was given to the enemy. From the streets of Stalingrad began the cleansing of the whole world from Nazi filth and fascism — the victorious march of our army to Berlin began! Sincere gratitude to all the heroes of Stalingrad. To those who defended from the enemy and then raised the city on the Volga from the ruins. Eternal memory to the defenders of our Fatherland! Eternal glory to the heroes of our Great Motherland!»
Composer Alexandra Pakhmutova also congratulated Volgograd residents: «On February 2, 1943, with a brilliant victory of the Red Army, the largest battle in world history — the Battle of Stalingrad — ended. Stalingrad became the greatest example of military steadfastness and courage in history, equal to which humanity had not yet known! Happy holiday, Russia, happy holiday, dear fellow countrymen-Volgograd residents, happy holiday, dear and unsubdued Stalingrad! Happy Victory Day in the Battle of Stalingrad!»
Changes in the Festive Program
The traditional «Shot of Memory» took place at 13:00 instead of noon. There was no fireworks or laser show — for safety reasons and due to the non-round date.
The reenactment of the capture of Field Marshal Paulus was moved to the museum-panorama «Battle of Stalingrad,» where it was shown six times on January 31 and February 1. On February 2, the museum opened the photo-documentary exhibition «Reflection: 1941–1945» about the work of frontline correspondents.
Other Events and Plans
At Children«s School No. 1, an exhibition of works by artist Lev Tyrin opened. On the Alley of Heroes and the Railway Station Square, a patriotic action »Path to Victory« took place. At the museum-panorama, cadets were presented with their first Russian Federation passports.
In the city of Volzhsky, flowers were laid at the monument to fallen soldiers and memory was honored with a minute of silence.
On the anniversary day, Volgograd received the first exhibits for the future museum of the special military operation at the foot of Mamayev Kurgan. The collection will include trophies: personal documents of the enemy, emblems, insignia, and small arms from NATO countries.
The festive events will last until February 6 and include musical, sports events, and the game «Zarnitsa» (a military-patriotic game).
