The message reads, in part:
“Established in the years of great hardship during the Great Patriotic War, these educational institutions became a true home for young students who had lost their families and had no roof over their heads. Teachers at these academies were committed to their cause and moral duty, helping children to obtain an excellent education and build character, find their own path in life and become remarkable military commanders and officers, prominent researchers and engineers, cultural figures, patriots and deserving citizens of their country.
I would like to highlight that these academies have always been known for the unique spirit of comradeship, generational continuity, and a caring attitude towards the history of their Motherland. Today, it is thanks to these high principles and unique teaching and military training methods that graduates continue to serve Russia with honour, working for the public good and in the interests of the state, and of course proudly carrying the name of Suvorov and Nakhimov academy alumni.”
The decision to establish military academies for the children of fallen soldiers and partisans of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, as well as for orphans whose parents were killed by Nazi occupants, was taken on August 21, 1943. The Suvorov Academy was named after Russian military commander Alexander Suvorov (1730–1800), while the Nakhimov Naval Academy bears the name of Pavel Nakhimov (1802–1855), a hero of the Crimean War, who died defending Sevastopol.
More than 120,000 students have graduated from these schools since their establishment.