The address reads:
“During your history classes at school you will, of course, have already heard and will yet hear about the great battles of this war, about the defence of Moscow, the siege of Leningrad and the battles of Kursk and Stalingrad.
You can learn about the ancient battles and their heroes only from books and from your history teachers, as for the Great Patriotic War, you also have a chance to learn about it directly from the heroes of this war themselves, the living witnesses and participants in these events, those who lived through these years and made their own contribution to victory. Sadly, not so many of them remain among us still today.”
Mr Putin stressed in his address that today’s schoolchildren are the last generation who have the chance to speak with the participants in the Great Patriotic War, and he advised them to “ask adults – your parents and teachers – to help you meet with those who fought on the frontlines or toiled on the home front, helping to defeat the enemy through their labour. Talk to the veterans, ask them questions, and do not forget to thank them for all they have done for us. Help and look after the war veterans who live among us, together with us. After all, it is thanks to them that we have life today.”