MOSCOW. May 8 (Interfax-AVN) -Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has said the victory in the Great Patriotic War (Russian name for WWII - Interfax-AVN) "will bless Russia into the 21st century."
"The glory of the feat of arms of those who created the Victory will bless Russia (from the 20th century - Interfax-AVN) into the 21st century. The spiritual legacy they have rendered to the next generations of their compatriots will be the foundation of the strength of out mighty country and of its special significance and independence in the world community of countries and peoples," he said on Thursday in Moscow at a meeting with ex- top military.
"The sacred love to one's Motherland is the basis of the spiritual power and courage which you, dear veterans, revealed in the battles of the Great Patriotic War and which you keep on gloriously bearing through your life," the minister said.
"Our country and its Armed Forces have borne the most of the burden of fighting against a dangerous and treacherous enemy, they have made the main contribution to the defeat of the Nazis," he went on.
"The current generation of Russian servicemen are willing to follow the vows of their heroic fathers, to deserve to heir and enrich their battle glory," the minister said.
"The courage of soldiers and officers they reveal in fighting against the forces of international terrorism in the North Caucasus, in peacekeeping missions, in exercises, and on combat duty do confirm that," the minister concluded.