On May 9, Ukraine marks Victory Day over Nazism in the Second World War. It is the 72nd Victory Day anniversary.
This memorable date was enshrined by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine`s parliament, in the law on perpetuating victory over Nazism in 1939-1945 World War II, passed on April 9, 2015, as part of a package of laws on de-communization.
Since then, May 9 is celebrated as Victory Day over Nazism in World War II instead of the Soviet-era Victory Day commemorating the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War.
See also: Ukraine in World War II: between the devil and the deep blue sea
The term ”Great Patriotic War” was utilized in the former USSR to emphasize that citizens were defending the Soviet Union as their common state in the war of 1941-1945.
The use of Soviet marks during Victory Day events in Ukraine has been cancelled, Chairman of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance Volodymyr Vyatrovych emphasized.
A red field poppy, an internationally recognized sign used to commemorate military personnel who have died in war, became the official symbol of both Victory Day over Nazism in WWII and the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation (May 8) in Ukraine.
Ukrainians wear the remembrance poppy logo developed by graphic designer from Kharkiv Serhiy Mishakin.
The slogan of both memorable days is ”1939-1945. We Remember, We Prevail.”
In 2017, Ukraine is officially celebrating Victory Day over Nazism in WWII for the second time.
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