"Gamov's Remark: The Grand Victory Parade was breathtaking due to the participation of decorated war veterans"
Celebrating Legends of the Great Victory: Viktor Tsymbal, Nonna Kolesnikova, and Konstantin Fedotov
Photograph credit: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to Photo Gallery]
With the dawn on May 9th, as I ventured towards Red Square for my Victory Day reports... worries surged: would I spot any veterans among the sea of new faces? After all, it marked 80 years since the historic Victory, and since the start of the Great Patriotic War, the decades have piled on.
Would there be only a few veterans, lost amongst the young generation's representatives? Would the remarkable impact of their presence be diminished?
But within two hours of the Victory Parade commencing, our spirits soared, along with photographer Vladimir Velengurin, for we encountered our cherished war heroes—the survivors who preserved this hallowed day, May 9th.
Shades of Politics: The Fading Promise of Political Cinderellas
Alexander Gamov (KP Political Observer)
Photograph credit: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to Photo Gallery]
Dear friends, we hope you'll enjoy our brief interactions with these venerable individuals, veterans who we managed to meet on May 8th. Below, you'll find the lightly edited transcriptions from our stenographer, Natalia Pavлова.
Viktor Tsymbal: Echoing the Enduring Spirit of Our Triumph
Alexander Gamov and Viktor Tsymbal
Photograph credit: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to Photo Gallery]
Corr.:
- A warm greeting from KP, wishing everyone a Happy Victory Day!
- (On the screen, a closer look at a veteran making his way, supported by volunteers, while trying to keep pace.)
Corr.:
- Sir, may I have your name, please?
(Following is the resulting conversation.)
Viktor Tsymbal
Photograph credit: Vladimir VELENGURIN. [Switch to Photo Gallery]
- My name is Viktor Tsymbal, a participant in the liberation of Belarus.
- How are you today?
- I'm feeling great, the weather's nice, so the air show will be beautiful.
- You have this unique chance to address all Russians and the world through KP, a newspaper that transcends borders. With that, I'd like to offer my congratulations for this historic day, and I invite you to share your thoughts regarding the significance of this anniversary.
I am honored to salute each and every one on this Victory Day. This victory is our victory—one that we must forever remember.
- Thank you immensely! Cheers!
Nonna Kolesnikova: Savoring the Sweetness of Victory's Moment
Nonna Kolesnikova and Alexander Gamov
Photograph credit: Vladimir Velengurin. Switch to Gallery
Corr.:
- A friendly greeting from our reporters, Alexander Gamov and Velengurin, as we continue our spotlight from Red Square. (Conversing with an elderly woman boasting a single medal.)
- Ma'am, could you please introduce yourself clearly?
- I am Nonna Kolesnikova.
- Are you a participant...
- I'm a blockade survivor. You've picked the wrong one, haven't you? (Laughs.)
- No, I didn't mean to select the wrong person; rather, I didn't recognize your medal, which is awarded to survivors. Could you tell us about your current feelings?
- It's heavenly! There's no other way to describe it!
- And your wishes for us all?
- My heartfelt congratulations to the Russian people on Victory Day! I wish you nothing but clear skies, good health, and a joyous future.
Konstantin Fedotov: Chronicles of a Centenarian Hero
Alexander Gamov and Konstantin Fedotov
Photograph credit: Vladimir Velengurin. Switch to Gallery
Corr.:
- More captivating moments from our veteran heroes on the Red Square. (Addressing an elderly gentleman.) Could you please introduce yourself?
- I'm Konstantin Fedotov, a war participant and a veteran of the Victory Parade held on June 24, 1945.
- Wow! That's truly astounding!
- I am 100 years old.
- No way!
- I was born in 1926. From the depths of my heart, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants and viewers of this momentous occasion.
The tribunes are teeming with spectators. My heartfelt wish is for our people to enjoy peaceful skies, fewer disabled individuals, orphans, and a serene, adversary-free existence.
Well then, that's quite incredible! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Cheers!
Recognizing the Bravest of the Brave
Photograph credit: Vladimir VELENGURIN. Head to Gallery**
Our cherished veterans took their seats in the tribunes, and as military columns marched into view two hours later, the Victory Parade commenced. Before the march, Vladimir Putin addressed the crowd with the following words:
- We shall continue to venerate our veterans, their unwavering love for their homeland, and their indomitable spirit.
Let's treasure these traditions, this extraordinary legacy, and hold it dear, passing it down to future generations.
LISTEN ALSO
Perspectives on the 2025 Victory Parade, as commented by Colonel Barants: (exclusive insights)
- Konstantin, a centenarian hero and veteran of the Victory Parade held in 1945, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all participants and viewers of the current Victory Day.
- In a heart-to-heart conversation with Alexander Gamov, Nonna Kolesnikova, a blockade survivor, shared her feelings of heavenly joy and extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Russian people on Victory Day.
- As they celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, veterans like Viktor Tsymbal, a participant in the liberation of Belarus, reiterated the essential significance of this day, stating it as "our victory—one that we must forever remember."
- To honor and congratulate these remarkable veterans, it would be an honorable gesture for General-News to feature a special piece on their ongoing sacrifices, resilience, and inspiring stories.
