Reflecting 1945 Spring

As the Victory Day over Nazi Germany is coming, a traditional celebration in honor of war veterans has taken place at Astrakhan State University.

The restaurant “Clear Water” operating at the campus of ASU has housed the celebration in honor of veterans of WW2, as well as in honor of those who were kids then. Prof. Galina Stefanova, First Vice Rector of ASU, has given a greeting speech to our veterans; she pointed out that May 09 - the date that is especially remarkable for any Russian - has become a symbol of the national pride, courage, valor, and unity.

Ms. Larissa Smotrova, who was teaching German at ASU for many years, has shared her recollections about her childhood in 1940s. She reminded that it was the hall of the Clear Water restaurant that used to host the student’s club “Blue Fire”, when songs of WW2 years were sung and when poems by poets who fought with Nazis were recited. As for Prof. David Tyopliy, he told about difficulties of those severe years, when everyone was looking forward to gaining the victory.

Prof. Elena Timofeeva, Dean of ASU’s Historical Department, has emphasized the national significance of Russia’s victory in World War Two. According to her, some countries tend to exert an impact upon Russian people’s minds to make the deed of those who won Hitler fade away from history, to falsify the historic events. Prof. Lyudmila Baeva, Dean of the Department of Social Communications, has drawn attention to the demographic crisis in Russia in 1945-1955, whose consequence determined later fundamental processes in our society. As for Prof. Vladimir Pilipenko, he has expressed warm-hearted wishes to our veterans and said that he was looking forward to another similar event next year.

The concert program prepared by the Center of Students’ Creativity has favored a warm, hearty, and holiday atmosphere.