Victory Day: Shared Memory, Personal Stories, and the Enduring Legacy of WWII

Victory Day: A Conversation with Margarita Simonyan. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a pivotal moment in Russian history. The significance of this day remains a topic of debate, and this conversation with prominent journalist Margarita Simonyan provides valuable insight. Simonyan argues that shared historical memory is essential for national identity, stating, "A nation is defined by a common language and a shared history." This point is illustrated through comparisons to American Independence Day celebrations. Simonyan adds a deeply personal dimension, recounting the experiences of her relatives during WWII. Her grandfather, Sarkis Meshanovich Simonyan, was captured in Crimea and escaped from the fascists, while her great-grandfather, Grigory Artemovich Aloev, was wounded near Sabon Gora. Her grandmother, Maya Grigoryevna Aloev, contributed to the war effort during the occupation of Crimea. These personal accounts add an emotional depth to the discussion, highlighting the human cost of war and the enduring impact of historical events. The conversation underscores the importance of remembering and learning from the past, ensuring that such sacrifices are not forgotten.