In Ukraine, the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation was established in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Perpetuating the Victory over Nazism in the Second World War of 1939-1945”. Ukraine established the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation on May 8 and the Day of Victory over Nazism in World War II on May 9. A red poppy is a symbol used for events dedicated to these days.
World War II is one of the greatest armed conflicts and the cause of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century. 80% of humanity took part in the war, fighting took place in 2/3 of the existing states at that time.
The war began on September 1, 1939 with the invasion of Poland by Nazi German troops, and ended on September 2, 1945 with the surrender of Japan. During the war, the greatest crimes in human history were committed (including the Holocaust, the deportation of entire nations), and the first and last use of nuclear weapons. More than 110 million soldiers were recruited into the armies of the warring parties, with total military and civilian casualties ranging from 50 to 85 million. As a result of the war, the United Nations (Ukraine is one of the founders) was created and a modern system of international relations was formed.
The Nazi occupation regime in Ukraine was one of the most brutal in the world. We also honor the memory of that people who have been killed and persecuted by communist totalitarian regimes. The most famous of these are the Katyn massacre, the extermination of political prisoners in western Ukraine, the undermining of the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station and the deportation of Ukrainians and other peoples, including the Crimean Tatars, in 1944.
We remember what a terrible catastrophe the Second World War was for Ukrainians. Remember: the one who defends his land always wins, and remembrance makes us stronger.