June 22, 1941 is one of the saddest dates in the history of Russia — the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, the day of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War (the war against Nazis in 1941-1945, a part of World War 2).
Exactly 80 years ago in the early morning, fascist Germany attacked the Soviet Union, inflicting a massive blow on military and strategic targets, and many cities. That's how the Great Patriotic War began.
There were those who thought that this was the end of our history, but it meant exactly the opposite. The great strength that exists in our people did not allow us to surrender.
People of the Soviet Union withstood the bloodiest war in the history of mankind, liberated their country and many European states from fascist domination, and defeated Nazi troops.
The war lasted 1,418 days and nights and claimed the lives of about 27 million people of the USSR — Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Tatars and many others.
More than 8.7 million of them fell on the battlefields, others were killed, tortured in Nazi captivity, died in the rear from hunger and hardship.
Graves of soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom of future generations are located in many European countries and we are grateful to those who keep their memories alive.
On this day, citizens of Russia honour those who died during the war. Commemorative and patriotic events are held throughout the country and around the world.
State flags are lowered and wreaths are laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame in Moscow and other cities of Russia.
On the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, the traditional action "Candle of Memory" is held. In the morning of June 22, people in big cities and small villages come to places associated with the events of the Great Patriotic War, with lit candles.
The geography of the event is expanding from year to year. It affects not only Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union.
Now, the Candle of Memory is being held even in states far from battles with the Nazi.
And here in Malaysia, compatriots from the former republics of the Soviet Union pay tribute to the memory of the defenders of the Motherland who died in the war.
Today, a number of events are being held in compliance with the Movement Control Order, such as the official start of rehearsals by the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia on the theme of the fascist invasion from D. Shostakovic's symphony No. 7 and the exhibition of the Victory Museum, "We Were Together in the Fight Against Nazism".
June 22 always reminds all of us of the terrible tragedy that humanity has experienced. For Russians, the memory of the Great Patriotic War is sacred. It gives us strength to serve our country and comply with moral precepts that were honoured by our heroic ancestors.
I am convinced that it is the duty of modern politicians, as well as religious and public figures to preserve history, protect peace and humanism and — the most important thing — human life from threats, and do what they can to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
The writer is ambassador of Russia to Malaysia