The message reads, in part:
“Your meeting honours a truly legendary, glorious date: the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Leningrad and Leningrad Region from Fascist occupiers; and it is deeply symbolic that it is happening in Tikhvin, a city of military glory. The fierce battle here was highly decisive for the fate of the Northern Capital and its residents, as well as the entire nation.
Preserving the historical truth about the heroic chapters of the Great Patriotic War and the unparalleled feats of the Soviet soldiers and officers for future generations is our common moral duty. Efforts here must be made by the government, educational system, religious and public organisations, and the media. And of course, the role of our citizens is highly important in this important work.
The search parties bring together exactly these kinds of sensitive, caring people. In recent years, they have turned into a powerful movement that is active in many Russian regions. The search parties follow the call of their hearts and take care of war memorials and burial grounds, restore the names of the fallen, and sincerely care about not breaking the connection with those times, so that young people know the history of their Fatherland and are proud of it.”