83% of Russians Consider Victory Day Special and Significant

Victory Day is a special and significant day for 83% of Russians. This was the result of a public survey carried out by the Public Opinion fund. Interestingly, 22% of young respondents said that May 9 was not a significant day. In the 36-50 age group only 12% said May 9 was an insignificant day and only 7% of those over 50 said it was an ordinary day.

Those who consider May 9 an important public holiday were asked what their immediate associations were with this day. 41% said the end of the Second World War was of enormous historical significance. 31% said the Second World War had an impact on their own lives while 12% said May 9 is a day for remembering veterans and those who died in the war. 5% said they feel proud of their country and their people for overcoming the enemy on this day.

Those who do not regard May 9 as a special holiday said it is because they were not 'directly involved' themselves or simply 'all these holidays are outdated.' Some people said that the price of victory was too high and for this reason May 9 is a day of sadness and not a holiday.

1500 people took part in the survey, which took place on April 26, 2003.