A Message of Greeting from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, on the Occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad

Fellow Countrymen! 

Sixty years ago, the Russian army won, with enormous cost in lives, a victory in the Battle of Stalingrad. The ancient city of Tsarityn had witnessed many battles in its history, but never before had it seen a battle on a scale such as this. It was the first time in the history of the world that so powerful an enemy was delivered so total a defeat. The victory in this battle, which played so decisive a role in the course of the Second World War, showed the fighting spirit of the Russian people, and of all peoples of Russia, to be ever unconquerable.

Neither the difficulties and atrocities experienced by the country at that time, nor the might of the armies of Nazi Germany, could break this spirit. The looming threat of enslavement that hung over the Fatherland united all its sons and daughters in a single purpose. The heroes of this battle proved themselves to be most worthy heirs of the unfading glory of the Russian military.

We pray for the repose of the souls of the fallen defenders of the Fatherland and we extend our affection and deep respect to the veterans who are still with us today. May God preserve you all!

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

Maria

Issued in Madrid

31 January 2003 

(Identical to the original:) 

A.N. Zakatov

Personal Secretary of the IMPERIAL family and

Director of H.I.H.’s Chancellery