Dmitry Perminov: Declaring August 9 the Day of Military Glory is a Fitting Tribute to the Heroism of the Defenders of Leningrad

On April 1, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, signed a law declaring August 9, the final day of the Battle of Leningrad, the Day of Military Glory of Russia.

As you may recall, the Battle of Leningrad (10 July 1941 – 9 August 1944), was the longest battle of the Great Patriotic War. Over the three years of combat, the Soviet Army defeated more than 50 enemy divisions, destroyed Army Group "North" and liberated the Leningrad, Pskov, and Novgorod Regions, as well as Karelia. The end of the Battle brought complete elimination of the threat to Leningrad and liberation of the occupied territories.

As stated in the explanatory material to the law, the recognition of this date underlines the military and strategic importance of the Battle of Leningrad and immortalizes the heroic deeds of the city's defenders. The Soviet Army was fighting on six fronts. The Baltic Fleet, long-range aviation, air defence troops and partisan formations all participated in the Battle. The total losses of the Soviet Army amounted to about 3 million people, including both the fallen and wounded.

Dmitry Perminov, member of the Committee on Defence and Security of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, Hero of the Russian Federation, commented on the President's decision.

"Declaring August 9 the Day of Military Glory of Russia is an important step in immortalizing the heroism of the defenders of Leningrad and all people who gave their lives for the freedom of our Homeland. Lasting more than three years, the Battle of Leningrad became a symbol of resilience and courage of the Soviet people, and its end brought the liberation of vast territories from Nazi invaders. This day reminds us of the price that had to be paid for the Victory, and emphasizes the strategic importance of the Battle of Leningrad for the outcome of the Great Patriotic War. Establishing this date as the Day of Military Glory is our duty to the generation of Victors and the future generations," Dmitry Perminov said.

On August 9, a number of solemn events is scheduled in Russia, as well as laying flowers at the memorials of the defenders of Leningrad and other commemorative occasions in honor of the heroic deeds of the Soviet warriors.