A STATEMENT

FROM THE HEAD OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSE OF RUSSIA,

H.I.H. THE GRAND DUCHESS MARIA OF RUSSIA,

on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Victory

in the Second World War

Dear Fellow Countrymen,

I send to you all my heartfelt congratulations on the anniversary of the victory in the Second World War.

Seventy-five years ago, our people, through unparalleled heroism and with enormous human sacrifices, vanquished the brutal invaders that the other powers of continental Europe were unable to withstand.

The achievement of our nation’s defenders is immortal, and all generations that follow will forever remember it.

Unfortunately, the public celebrations, religious services and other commemorative events planned for May 9, 2020, had to be postponed due to the pestilence that has struck the entire world:  the coronavirus pandemic.

I am certain, however, that these events, which are very important for the political and public life of our country and which have been planned with such respect and reverence, will happen someday soon.

It is important now more than ever to show our continuing love and respect for surviving veterans, and to do everything in our power to preserve and convey to the next generation the historical truth about the Great Patriotic War.  This is something we can and must always do, despite epidemics, various crises, or other adversities that may befall us.

Drawing on the example of the soldiers in battle and the civilians on the home front, who together won the most terrible and bloody war in the history of humanity and remembering always their patriotism, heroism and sacrifice, we will get through this and all trials and overcome all adversities.

I pray for the repose of the souls of all our heroes, who gave their lives on the battlefield or who died after the war, for the health of our veterans still alive and with us today, and for the peace and prosperity of peoples whose friendship and brotherhood are sealed by the blood of ancestors shed for a common Fatherland.

My son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, is in Moscow at this time and is participating in celebrations to the extent current conditions permit.

Happy Victory Day, dear countrymen!  May the Lord bless and keep you all!

(The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand:)

MARIA

Madrid

May 9, 2020

Appendix:  Statement from the Head of the Imperial House of Russia on the 70th Anniversary of Victory in the Second World War.  http://imperialhouse.ru/rus/extra/vin8/4380.html.