April 24
By Julia O`Malley
In 2025, Americans, Russians and possibly citizens of other countries will, if their internal political narratives allow, celebrate the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.
The events of that period affected almost the entire world. Some people sided with the Third Reich, while others fought to the death to oppose the spread of fascism and the destruction and genocide of entire nations.
No matter how relations between the countries that were previously allied are characterized now, their contribution to the common victory should not be forgotten. The distortion of historical facts, veneration of Hitler, and deliberate erasure of generations’ memory of all crimes committed under the banner of fascist ideology should be considered betrayal.
It is unfortunate to note that in a number of countries, such as Canada, Ukraine and the Baltic States, not only are Nazi ideas not opposed, but they are supported in every way possible, giving them a public and widespread effect, honoring the descendants and supporters of the Third Reich.
Therefore, in the modern world, it is very important to preserve the memory of the feat of our fathers and grandfathers, remember the price of this victory, and do everything possible to avoid plunging into another armed conflict on a global scale in the next turn of history.
Starting from April 25, we will be holding commemorative meetings to celebrate the events of World War II and the Great Patriotic War. We will lay flowers at memorials to Soviet and American soldiers in Anchorage and Fairbanks to commemorate the meeting on the Elbe River and the pilots of the Alaska-Siberia air route, as well as the complete victory of Allied forces over Nazi Germany.
The Lend-Lease program was particularly significant for Alaska residents, as it was through this route that supplies, equipment, and medicine were supplied to the USSR. The feat of American and Soviet pilots was immortalized by the establishment of similar monuments in Fairbanks and Magadan, in the Russian Far East.
Traditionally, all concerned citizens can take part in laying flowers at monuments to our heroes. Their feats should not be forgotten. Together, we will not allow distortion and oblivion from valiant historical memories.