May 9 in The Former Soviet Union
In Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries of the former Soviet Union, the day of Victory over Nazi Germany was celebrated on May 9. When the German Instrument of Surrender actually entered into force in the West (May 8, 1945 at 23:01 CET) a similar but entirely separate document had not been signed with the Soviet Union, and it was not signed until the following day. Some post-Soviet countries, most notably the Russian Federation, have continued the tradition. Serbia celebrates May 9 as a national holiday as well. Although not a member of the Warsaw Pact, it was allied with the Soviet Union as a member of the Yugoslav Federation, and it was occupied by German forces from 1941 to 1944. In many cities people gather on the main square with the Serbian army to celebrate the anniversary with war veterans.
Read more about this topic: Victory Day
Famous quotes containing the words soviet union, soviet and/or union:
“If the Soviet Union can give up the Brezhnev Doctrine for the Sinatra Doctrine, the United States can give up the James Monroe Doctrine for the Marilyn Monroe Doctrine: Let’s all go to bed wearing the perfume we like best.”
—Carlos Fuentes (b. 1928)
“If the Soviet Union can give up the Brezhnev Doctrine for the Sinatra Doctrine, the United States can give up the James Monroe Doctrine for the Marilyn Monroe Doctrine: Let’s all go to bed wearing the perfume we like best.”
—Carlos Fuentes (b. 1928)
“So we grew together
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet an union in partition,
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)