Earlier today during his celebratory speech on Red Square, Russian President Vladimir marked a minute of silence for the fallen.
"We bow our heads before the sacred memory of our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, our fellow soldiers, our relatives and friends, to everyone who did not return from the war. To everyone who is no longer with us."
Russia's '6 P.M.' event features excerpts from Robert Rozhdestvensky's poem Requiem (1961). Sputnik shares them with you, our readers.
"Let us ponder each name, with sorrow ponder our own…This is not needed by them. This is our need –alone.
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"Surely you bore not children for dying thus, Motherland? Surely not death you desired for us, Motherland? Flames slashed across the dark sky! –You remember, Motherland? Quietly you murmured: 'Arise and defend us…', Motherland. Glory not one of us sought of you, Motherland. Simply for each to decide: I, or the Motherland."
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"Oh why, red sun, rise glistening, why not say farewell –why burn again? Oh why, from war's deep misery, son, do you not return again? In distress I'd give my eyes for you, like an eagle swiftly fly to you…Call to me then, flesh and blood of mine! Little one of mine, only son of mine…"
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"One night we shall trouble you deep in your sleep. In flight over meadows our voices from silence will leap. We've forgotten the fragrance of flowers, and the poplar's breath. We've forgotten the world. What's life like now on earth? And the birds? Do they still sing, without us? Do the cherries still swing, without us? Do the rivers still gleam, and the cloud-banks stream overhead, without us?"
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"Remember them! Through every age, through each year. Remember them! The ones who will never return again-, remember them! No crying! In your throats curb your groans to a murmur, a bitter murmur. To the fallen recalling be ever worthy! Always be worthy!"
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"People! Wherever heartbeats are pounding –remember them! At what a high price your joyful fortune they founded –you're bound to remember them! Singing your song which you speed on the wing –ponder them! To those who now nevermore will sing, remember them!
Tell all your children of them, that they should remember! Tell all your children's children of them, that they should also remember!"
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"We bow our heads before the sacred memory of our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, our fellow soldiers, our relatives and friends, to everyone who did not return from the war. To everyone who is no longer with us. Let us observe a minute of silence."
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Eternal memory to the heroes who have fallen for the freedom and independence of our Motherland! Happy Victory Day everyone!
