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Friends, veterans,

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The legendary Stalingrad victory was won here on the banks of the Volga 

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River 75 years ago. I would like to congratulate you on this occasion.

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The most important battle of the Great Patriotic War was crowned with 

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the triumph of our army and our people.

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This battle was unprecedented in world history.

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It went down into the history of the human race 

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as the cruellest and bloodiest.

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This grandiose battle started in the summer of 1942.

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The Nazis, who had conquered Europe and were used to acing with 

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impunity, were routed in the Moscow suburbs for the first time.

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Now they were rushing towards the Volga River to take revenge at any 

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cost but our country and the steadfast Stalingrad became 

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an unconquerable stronghold in their way.

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Soviet soldiers seemed to have grown into the wounded soil and turned 

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every street, building, ditch and firing point into 

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an unassailable fortress.

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The city residents fought for it with the same valour.

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This united resistance, readiness for self-sacrifice and moral stamina 

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were unconquerable and inconceivable,

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incomprehensible and horrible for the enemy.

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The destiny of the homeland and the whole world was decided 

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in Stalingrad at that time.

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The tough character of our people was manifested in full there.

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They fought for every building and the lives of their children.

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Having defended Stalingrad, they saved our Fatherland.

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The triumph of this battle embodied the courage and bravery of our 

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soldiers and commanders, and the talent and boldness 

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of Soviet military leaders.

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The best divisions of the Wehrmacht perished in this battle.

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Strategic plans of the Nazis were wrecked.

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The road to the complete and final rout of the enemy was opened.

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Friends,

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The defenders of Stalingrad, the entire generation of the victors did 

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not only demonstrate heroism at war.

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They passed on to us a great legacy of love for our Motherland,

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readiness to protect its interests and independence,

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be strong against any ordeals, take care of our country 

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and work for the sake of its prosperity.

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These simple truths are the essence of life.

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And we have no right to underperform or to show cowardice 

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or indecision. We must look up to our fathers’ and grandfathers’ feats 

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and, just like them, be steady in our purpose and strive 

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beyond what we have already achieved.

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We are truly proud and will always be proud of everything 

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that was done before our time.

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Standing on this foundation, we will move forward and only forward.

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We will be strong and honest.

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We will lead new generations and pass on the remarkable 

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traditions of our great nation.

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I want to wish all of you and, most importantly,

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our dear veterans good health, peace and happiness.

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Thank you. Please accept our deepest gratitude for Stalingrad 

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and the Great Victory. For our Motherland,

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which you saved. For your selflessness.

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For everything you have done and continue to do for your country.

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We will always be proud of your heroism.

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We will stand up for your great victories.

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We will keep the high bar of creation, unity and loyalty to Russia.

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Thank you very much. Happy holiday!