Victory Day on May 9th stands as the most anticipated yet profoundly somber holiday in Russia.

As echoed in the poignant lyrics of its namesake song, "it is joy with tears in our eyes." And rightfully so. Over four years of the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet people endured the loss of more than 20 million lives. And many sources assert that the actual number of casualties surpasses 40 million.

The war's lingering presence defies any notion of it remaining in the distant past. Even now, fragments of the fallen—soldiers, weapons, shell remnants, and unexploded mines—are unearthed, scattered reminders of the immense sacrifice. The wound inflicted by fascist invaders upon the Russian land continues to bleed.

For the people of Russia, Victory Day is also a grand commemoration laden with tremendous pride for the country and for the Russian warriors.

May 9 is about many things. It is about solemn remembrance for the fallen and pride for the victors. It is about homage to the living heroes. It is about rejoicing for the liberated peoples. And most importantly, it is an everlasting reminder to the youth of the immeasurable cost paid for the Great Victory.

Eternal memory to the fallen heroes! Eternal glory to Russia!

#ThisDayInHistory@TCofRus