What is it, Day of Memory and Sorrow?

June 22 is probably the saddest date on the calendar for the entire former USSR. On June 22, fascist Germany treacherously attacked the Soviet Union. This was the beginning of the bloody Great Patriotic War. Since June 8, 1998, in accordance with the decree of Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, the date of June 22 is officially named "Day of Remembrance and Sorrow."

Since that time, this date has been celebrated by the entire population of the country, from simple villagers to the top leadership of the country. Needless to say, the losses of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War amounted to more than 26 million people. Of these, 8 million 660 thousand belonged to the military.

In accordance with this, every year on the Day of Memory and Sorrow, the entire top leadership of the state lays flowers to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Thus, they honor the memory of those killed during the bloody war. It is worth noting that the Day of Memory and Sorrow is also introduced in Ukraine and Belarus. Therefore, often the leaders of the three countries visit the very grave of the Unknown Soldier all together.

Also, some countries that took part in that terrible war, on the Day of Memory and Sorrow, lower their flags. Thus, they again try to pay homage to those who fought, who fought for their Motherland. And let them during the war, not all died, fighting in battle. Many gave their lives simply because they could not find a piece of bread or a spoonful of soup, many died, suffering from cold, and many died in the cellars of the Gestapo. That war was terrible.

It is worth noting that many organizations mark the Day of Memory and Sorrow in their own way. The scenario in this case is aimed only at one thing - an expression of gratitude to all those who have folded their heads so that we can now live and enjoy freedom. But the ways of expressing gratitude can be completely different. For example, in 2010, activists of the movement "Nashi" lit on the Day of Memory and Sorrow about 15 thousand candles in the capital. But some libraries are timed to the Day of Remembrance and mourning their exhibitions of literature. Indeed, on this subject a really large number of works have been created. What are the only poems of the war era that did not allow the hope of leaving people's souls, served as an incentive for further struggle.

As for television, on this day the spectator has the opportunity to observe some cadres of the military chronicle, military films, memoirs of current veterans and so on.

Unfortunately, June 22 is not the only sad date of our calendar. There is another similar day - December 11, the Day of Remembrance of the Dead in Chechnya. Until now, the authorities have not officially recognized this day. However, this fact in no way prevents people from celebrating this sorrowful date. After all, on December 11, 1994, the Russian president issued a decree, according to which troops were introduced to the territory of the Chechen Republic.

After all this, one can only hope that the black dates in the calendar will not be added. But as regards the memory of June 22 and December 11 - these two days will never leave the mind and hearts of our people.