Volgograd marks 83rd Stalingrad victory anniversary with subdued ceremonies

On February 2, Volgograd marks the 83rd anniversary of the defeat of the 6th German army under Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus at Stalingrad. This year, the celebrations are more modest: authorities explain this by the date not being a round number. We look at how the city, which became Stalingrad for one day, celebrates the victory anniversary.

Running Race and «Stalingrad» Signs

Celebrations began on February 1, when the city closed Zero Longitudinal Street for the 79th track and field run dedicated to the 83rd anniversary of the Victory at Stalingrad. On the same day, road workers changed the «Beginning of Populated Area» and «End of Populated Area» signs from «Volgograd» to «Stalingrad».

On the morning of February 2, Volgograd Region Governor Andrey Bocharov, WWII veteran Alexander Medkov, veterans of the Special Military Operation (SMO), representatives of executive and legislative authorities, local government, security, law enforcement, supervisory agencies, public associations, enterprises and organizations, and youth laid wreaths and flowers at the Eternal Flame at the mass grave of the defenders of Red Tsaritsyn and soldiers of the 62nd and 64th Armies who died defending Stalingrad.

Monument to Yamal Soldiers and Congratulations from Alexandra Pakhmutova

Then the governor«s procession moved to Mamayev Kurgan. There, officials, veterans, and other ceremony participants laid flowers at the stelae of hero cities and pedestals with the names of settlements in Volgograd Region awarded the title »Line of Stalingrad Valor«. By the way, the opening of the »Line of Stalingrad Valor« stele in Kamyshin on February 2 did not take place. Local residents do not rule out that the ceremony will be held on the eve of May 9.

Mamayev Kurgan on February 2 became one of the main venues for the celebrations. Today, a memorial sign was unveiled there in honor of the residents of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug who defended Stalingrad during the Great Patriotic War:

«The monument »Yamal Soldiers – Defenders of Stalingrad« is made in the form of a chum – the traditional dwelling of the indigenous peoples of the Far North. The sign is a three-dimensional spatial composition of Karelian granite and consists of a trefoil of triangular granite plates, with a drawing of the northern lights and the inscription »Eternal memory to Yamal soldiers – defenders of Stalingrad«,» the Volgograd Region administration said. «From 1941 to 1945, almost 9,000 Yamal residents were called up into the Red Army. To date, the combat path of more than 600 of them has been traced, the participation of 160 people in the Battle of Stalingrad has been documented, and 42 fighters have been awarded the medal »For the Defense of Stalingrad«. Search work to identify the names of Yamal residents who participated in the Battle of Stalingrad continues.»

State Duma deputy from Volgograd Region Alexey Volotskov congratulated his fellow countrymen on the Day of Victory at Stalingrad:

«Many years ago, it was at this 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 protected from the enemy, and then raised from the ruins the city on the Volga,» the deputy wrote in his Telegram channel, accompanying a post from the ceremony of laying wreaths and flowers on Mamayev Kurgan. «Eternal memory to the defenders of our Fatherland! Eternal glory to the heroes of our Great Motherland!»

On February 2, fellow countrymen were congratulated on the victory by the famous composer Alexandra Pakhmutova:

«On February 2, 1943, the largest battle in world history – the Battle of Stalingrad – ended with a brilliant victory of the Red Army,» a congratulation appeared in the composer«s Telegram channel. »Stalingrad became the greatest example of military steadfastness and courage in history, equal to which humanity has not yet known! Happy holiday, Russia, happy holiday, dear fellow countrymen-Volgograd residents, happy holiday, dear and unconquered Stalingrad! Happy Victory Day in the Battle of Stalingrad!«

Will There Be a Fireworks Display?

There was also a fireworks display on February 2. Or rather, a «Shot of Memory». This year it was moved from noon to 1:00 PM. The reason for the move is not specified. However, there will be no fireworks and laser installation, similar to the one three years ago, in Volgograd – firstly, for safety reasons, secondly, because the date is not round.

Changes also affected the reenactment of the capture of the commander of the 6th Army of the Wehrmacht, Friedrich Paulus. This year, the reenactment was moved to the Stalingrad Battle Panorama Museum and was shown six times – three sessions on January 31 and February 1.

On February 2, the museum opened the photo-documentary exhibition «Reflection: 1941–1945». It tells how significant events of the Great Patriotic War were reflected in the work of front-line correspondents.

Artist Exhibition and Passport Presentation

At Children«s School No. 1, an exhibition of works by artist Lev Tyrin opened; on Heroes» Alley and Station Square, a patriotic action «Path to Victory» will take place. In addition, in the districts of Volgograd, actions dedicated to the Day of Victory in the Battle of Stalingrad have taken place or will take place. Their venues are memorial places somehow connected with the victory in 1943.

By the way, on this day, cadets of police classes in the Triumphal Hall of the Stalingrad Battle Panorama Museum were presented with their first passports as citizens of the Russian Federation.

In Volzhsky, at the monument to soldiers who fell in the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars, residents laid flowers in honor of Russia«s Day of Military Glory – the 83rd anniversary of the defeat of the German-fascist troops at Stalingrad.

Participants of the event honored the memory of the heroes who defended the city on the Volga and laid the foundation for the final defeat of the enemy with a minute of silence. The memory of the heroes must live forever, because it is thanks to their efforts and sacrifice that our free and strong state exists today.

Symbolically, on the very day of the victory at Stalingrad, the city received the first exhibits for the future SMO museum – it will appear at the foot of Mamayev Kurgan. Among its future exhibits are personal documents of the enemy, emblems of the armed forces of foreign states, insignia of military personnel, including Nazi symbols, small arms of NATO countries, which became trophies of our military personnel during fierce battles.

In general, the celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the victory at Stalingrad will stretch until February 6 – in the districts of Volgograd, musical and sports events will take place, as well as the patriotic game «Zarnitsa».