Great Faith Will Never Die

Yanayev stood tall on the podium, his gaze slowly sweeping across the sea of faces assembled below. For the first time as Soviet leader, he faced not just his own people but foreign representatives and veterans from around the world. Taking a measured breath, his chest rising and falling steadily, he quelled the fluttering unrest in his heart and began his speech.

"Dear friends! Today, we warmly welcome all our distinguished guests from abroad and extend our sincere gratitude to the representatives of those nations who continue to resist communism and Japanese terrorism."

A wave of warm applause rippled through the crowd. Yanayev nodded respectfully to the representatives from each country, acknowledging their shared struggles and solidarity. The foreign delegates returned his gesture with respectful applause of their own.

"Today, we stand united with representatives from six countries gathered here on Red Square — China, Vietnam, Czechoslovakia, North Korea, Mongolia, and Cuba. Their ancestors, whether on the front lines or in the rear, shared our hatred of oppression and fought side by side with us."

"Chinese soldiers, fighting the main front against terrorism in Asia, lost millions of lives, just as the Soviet Union did. Czechoslovak soldiers fought fearlessly on the European battlefields. The people of the Korean Peninsula resisted the Japanese dictatorship with unyielding resolve. Throughout the war, Mongolia gave unwavering support to our cause. For this, I, along with all present here, offer the warmest applause."

Yanaev led the applause on the stage; the crowd quickly followed, the sound swelling through Red Square.

"Those now taking part in the joint review are the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those valiant fighters. Victory Day is our shared holiday, for the Great Patriotic War was a battle for the future of all humankind. Our fathers and grandfathers endured unspeakable suffering, poverty, and loss. Yet they persevered and fought bravely, sacrificing their lives and setting a shining example of patriotism."

"We salute those who defended every street, every home, every border of the motherland to the death! We honor those who fell defending Moscow, Stalingrad, Kursk, and the Dnieper! We remember those who perished from hunger and cold during the unyielding siege of Leningrad! We bow to those who suffered captivity, slavery, and torture in concentration camps!"

"We bow in living memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, comrades, loved ones, and friends. We honor those who never returned from battle, and those who are no longer with us."

When Yanayev finished, he turned to the veterans seated among the crowd — those who had survived the war — and spoke with heartfelt emotion.

"Dear veterans! You are the heroes of this great Victory Day. Your sacrifices created the peace and stability that allow future generations to live, create, and face the future bravely. Though the world may forget your deeds, your vision will live forever!"

"Today, your children and grandchildren share in the glory of this victory. They work tirelessly for the present and future of the motherland, serving it with loyalty and courage, meeting the challenges of our time, and ensuring the continued prosperity of our great nation. Glory to the victorious people! Glory to the great Soviets!"

As Yanayev's voice echoed across the square, five Su-27 fighter jets streaked past the Kremlin's bell tower, their vivid contrails painting the azure sky in brilliant colors.

Next came the solemn ceremony of presenting medals of victory in the war against Japan. Yanayev descended from the podium and approached the veterans, carefully pinning medals onto the uniforms of those who had endured loss and hardship. After each presentation, he bowed deeply and expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you for all you did in the Great Patriotic War."

When he reached a veteran who had lost both hands, Yanayev gently adjusted the medal, the man's eyes shining with emotion as he repeated his thanks over and over.

"Thank you for your bravery and fearlessness back then — thanks to you, we have the peace and stability we enjoy today."

Another veteran, blinded by war, held his head high as Yanayev spoke softly, "General Secretary Yanayev, do you know that the soldiers who died alongside me waited a long time for this day? There were only six of us trapped in a building, and one comrade asked if we would become heroes after death. I didn't answer then. Later, a ** tank flattened the building. I was the sole survivor. Their bones lie beneath the ruins."

"But now I want to tell them — you are all unsung heroes."

Yanayev grasped the veteran's hand firmly. "The motherland has not forgotten you. Thank you. We will carry the flag in your hands, inherit your will, and march forward."

Having finished the medal ceremony, Yanayev turned to return to his seat, but before taking more than a few steps, he heard the veterans' voices rising behind him — an unplanned, heartfelt tribute from the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.

"Private Vasily of the 62nd Army, 4th Infantry Division, on behalf of the soldiers who fell in Stalingrad, salute the motherland!"

"Private Ivanov of the 15th Guards Division, on behalf of his comrades who died in Stalingrad, salute the great motherland!"

"Private Srechenkov of the 61st Armored Division, on behalf of the fallen soldiers of Stalingrad, salute the great motherland!"

Their voices rang out sonorously, filling the solemn hush that had fallen over Red Square. Only the fluttering of red flags stirred in the breeze.

Though these units had long been disbanded or merged, their names remained etched in the hearts of those present. They were living symbols of the struggle, faith, and sacrifice that shaped their nation.

Standing in unison, all the veterans fixed their gaze on the fluttering red banner and spoke together, their voices firm and unwavering:

"All soldiers of the Patriotic War present here salute the great motherland — the great Soviet Union!"