I am truly grateful for your letter and your suggestions regarding the upcoming 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Next year, Russia will be presiding over the Commonwealth of Independent States. We will put in the maximum possible effort to take into account all of your suggestions. Every single veteran of that war should receive attention and care. A great deal also needs to be done to promote patriotic education of young people and to counteract attempts to rewrite history.
Issues related to the anniversary of the Victory will be reviewed at a session of the Council of CIS Heads of State in Chisinau on October 9, 2009. However, I should note that most of the matters you brought up are already being actively addressed. This includes declaring 2010 the Year of Great Patriotic War Veterans throughout the CIS. Russia suggests holding it under the slogan of “We won together!”
Your generation liberated our homeland, restored towns and villages out of ruins, and allowed millions of people to retain their lives and freedom. This heroic feat will forever be gratefully remembered by your descendants. It is of prime importance to make the truth about the heroic efforts that led to Victory in the most bloody and cruel war in human history known to today’s youth.
Your readiness to participate actively in celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Victory is worthy of great respect. I am certain that the upcoming festivities and tributes to veteran soldiers and workers will take place at the highest level.
I wish you and your loved ones health, happiness, and prosperity.