📸 WeHo’s Russian speakers mark historic victory over Nazis

West Hollywood’s Russian-speaking Advisory Board and The Helix Collective marked the 79th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with an emotional performance piece that combined music, dance and drama featuring local Russian-speaking children and teenagers. The event also honored the handful of Red Army veterans remaining in the city. 

For those who called the former Soviet Union home, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) holds profound significance due to the immense sacrifices made by the country during World War II.

The Eastern Front of WWII — known to Russians as the “Great Patriotic War” — was the largest and bloodiest theater of conflict in the war.

The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the casualties in World War II, with estimates ranging from 20 to 27 million deaths, including military personnel and civilians. This staggering figure accounts for a significant portion of the overall death toll of the war.

The Red Army, while ultimately victorious, sustained heavy casualties throughout the war. Millions of soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured during intense battles on the Eastern Front, including pivotal engagements such as Stalingrad, Kursk, and the Siege of Leningrad.

Soviet civilians also suffered greatly during the war. Cities and towns were subjected to brutal sieges, bombardments, and atrocities. Millions of civilians died as a result of military action, famine, disease, and the Holocaust perpetrated by Nazi Germany.

The war brought about profound social upheaval in the Soviet Union. Millions were displaced from their homes, families were torn apart, and entire communities were uprooted by the conflict. The war also had long-lasting effects on Soviet society, shaping attitudes, values, and collective memory for generations to come.

VE Day marks the culmination of the Soviet Union’s struggle against Nazi Germany. For Russians, VE Day is a day of remembrance for the millions who perished, a celebration of the heroism and courage of those who fought, and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to peace and the prevention of future conflicts. It is commemorated with solemn ceremonies, military parades, and public gatherings across Russia, honoring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s survival and victory.