On June 22, 1941, at 4 am, the most destructive, cruel and bloodiest of all wars ever fought on our planet, the Great Patriotic War, began. Overnight the hopes of millions of families were destroyed, the destinies of entire generations were broken.
In post-Soviet countries, state flags are lowered on June 22 to commemorate the war and those who died in it. On this day there are various solemn and commemorative events with the lighting of candles, laying flowers at monuments and memorials.