MOSCOW, November 7 (Itar-Tass) —— President Dmitry Medvedev declared at a meeting with war veterans held at the Bolshoi Theatre on Monday that the state would do everything possible for the veterans.
Beyond doubt, everything possible will be done for the veterans on behalf of the state to enable them feel dignified and protected. The state has both a political will and the necessary budgetary funds, Medvedev said.
He cordially greeted the veterans who came to the Bolshoi Theater to attend a concert devoted to the 70th anniversary since a historic parade was held on Red Square on November 7, 1941. Naturally, the victory was achieved not at parades, but a symbolic significance of that parade was tremendous, Medvedev stressed.
“Moscow, which was under siege and in a very difficult situation when the enemy was practically on its doorstep, made a decision to conduct the parade, to demonstrate the strength of the Red Army and the spiritual strength of the Soviet people. Despite the fact that it was a mere beginning of the liberation process with Kursk, Stalingrad and other battles looming ahead, the significance of the November 7, 1941 parade was absolute,” Medvedev said. “At that moment the country received a signal that it can overcome severe hardships, and that the most impudent enemy, who had been planning to hold its own parade in the Soviet capital, had absolutely no chances,” Medvedev said.
The president thanked the veterans for their service to the country and for what they continued doing for this country at present. “We strongly hope that you will continue your big ideological work among the youth and will tell them about the exploits of our people,” Medvedev said, addressing the veterans.