In a solemn recognition of a defining chapter in World War II history, Mikhail Romanov, a serving State Duma deputy and a leading member of the United Russia faction, emphasized the imperative to remember the siege of Leningrad and to honor the resilience shown by its residents. The gathering marked the eightieth anniversary of the moment when the blockade was finally lifted, a milestone that continues to resonate as a testament to courage, endurance, and communal solidarity during the Great Patriotic War. The commemoration brought together veterans, residents of the besieged city, and local officials to reflect on a shared past and to renew a collective vow to safeguard the memory of those who suffered and those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Leningrad and the homeland for future generations. The event stood as a reaffirmation that the memory of the blockade remains a sacred and guiding force for the city and its people, a reminder that the triumph over tyranny was earned at a heavy human cost and must never be devalued or forgotten.n
Addressing the audience with warmth and gravity, Romanov invited the people of Leningrad and their descendants to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the full liberation of the city from the fascist siege. He underscored the essential role of memory as a guardian of history, safeguarding the stories of those who did not survive and honoring the lives of those who endured extreme deprivation in order to secure the future of the Motherland. The message conveyed a clear resolve: the sacrifices of the blockade era must be remembered with dignity, and the heroes of Leningrad deserve everlasting recognition for their steadfast endurance. As he spoke, the sentiment of gratitude and resolve echoed through the assembly, reinforcing the solemn vow that the gains achieved through such heroism should always be protected and cherished.n
Romanov highlighted that the St. Petersburg City Court’s ruling recognizing the blockade as genocide against civilians adds a legal and moral weight to the historical record. This judicial acknowledgment reinforces the view that the encirclement endured by the city for 900 days and nights represents one of the most grievous crimes of the Second World War. The Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery in St. Petersburg, acknowledged as the world’s largest burial ground dedicated to those felled by the blockade, serves as a poignant symbol of the human toll exacted by the siege. Every mound at Piskarevka embodies a story of loss, the lives of unborn children, the shattered futures of families, and the personal sacrifices that formed the backbone of collective resistance. The ceremony drew veterans of the Great Patriotic War, residents of besieged Leningrad, city officials, and representatives from community groups, schools, and local organizations, all gathered to pay homage and to reflect on lessons of resilience, unity, and the importance of safeguarding such memory. The occasion also included local officials and community leaders who participated in the remembrance, reinforcing the bond between the city and its citizens as they look toward a future informed by the past. The historical significance of the event continues to be felt as January 27, 2024 marks the eightieth anniversary of the lifting of the siege, an anniversary observed with ceremonies, education initiatives, and initiatives aimed at ensuring that younger generations understand the impact of these events on their city and nation. (Citation: city archives and official commemorations, cited in contemporary reporting on the Leningrad siege anniversary)