MOSCOW, May 12 (RIA Novosti) - A campaign dedicated to the 61st anniversary of the end of World War II that saw thousands of orange and black ribbons flying throughout Russia and other countries has concluded.
The St. George Ribbon campaign, which was launched by RIA Novosti and the Student Community and blessed by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, was primarily designed to encourage young people to understand the importance of Victory Day, a public holiday on May 9 marking the end of the war.
“Its aim was to return the value of the holiday and cultivate it in younger generations, in those who have possibly never seen old front-line soldiers and in those for whom the victory of our country has become just another page in a history book,” the campaign’s organizers said.
Thousands of orange and black colored ribbons were sent to cities across Russia, where they were available for free. Russian diasporas in the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the United States - particularly Russian-speaking employees of Microsoft - France, Canada, Spain, Latvia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries joined the campaign, which was conducted from April 24 to May 12
The ribbons were attached to car radio aerials, the wing mirrors of buses and trolley-buses, students’ rucksacks, ladies’ handbags and the jacket lapels of war veterans.
Coast guard vessels took the ribbons to Russia’s northern and eastern borders, and one ribbon will be also taken by a Progress M-57 rocket to the International Space Station in memory of those of fought in World War II.
The St. George Ribbon is a symbol of Russian imperial military award of St. George the Victorious, St. George banners, standards and pennants, ceremonial sabers awarded for distinguished conduct on the battle field, the Soviet Award of Glory and the award for ‘The Victory over Germany’. The campaign’s main slogans were “The victory of my grandfather is my victory” “Tie it, if you remember!” “I remember! I am proud!” “We are the heirs of the Great Victory!”
In all, 5 million ribbons were distributed to 900 cities across the world. The first St. George Ribbons were made in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Victory Day.
