The twentieth century, or rather its first half, will remain a bloody time in history, but it gave birth to titans. Titans of thought, spirit and action. It is unlikely that when humanity will be able to reach such heights of its spiritual development, even if not in general, but in particular. This can be endlessly disputed, but is it possible to give examples that are at least partially similar to the participants in those events that are still talked about, write about, to whom films are dedicated?
Soviet soldiers rejoice in commemoration of the victory in the Battle of Stalingrad
Once again, we are on the verge of events starting with a round number. "70 years from the day …". Considering how much and what kind of water has flowed under the bridge over these 70 years, one cannot remain silent. Perhaps I won't say anything new. But, as the historical practice of the last 20 years shows, the old common truths should not just be repeated. You have to shout about them! As loud as possible and as often as possible! Only then, perhaps, they will not be forgotten. They will not erase, they will not be covered with the dullness of being, they will not be vulgarized and will not be forgotten.
70 years have passed since the victorious end of the Battle of Stalingrad. Even there, with them, this battle is still present in textbooks and films. But … let's see what happens when the number 70 is replaced by the number 100. I will live. And I sincerely hope that the “Motherland” monument will not be dismantled for “major repairs” and will not be replaced with another “brilliant creation” of another tsereteli. I hope so.
I also hope that the streets of Pavlova, Stalingrad and others will not change their names to "more appropriate to the spirit of the times."
A simple war soldier, who became a great poet and bard, said in one of his songs:
Bulat Shalvovich turned out to be a visionary, I hope that the paradise road is the minimum they deserve. For the rest … Let's be fair, we (people, the state) cannot boast that we have duly fulfilled our duty towards them. It is a fact. And the war that ended in September 1945 was not over for many of them. They were killed in the same way, only not with bullets, but with indifference, cruelty, lies. The latter is especially so.
The hysteria unleashed by our government on the theme of love and respect for veterans, the distribution of gingerbread, apartments and other things, also deserves attention. Colorfully served, you will not say anything.
"Why do I need all this now?" - I did not find what to answer this question, which was asked by the technician of the air squadron from Hanko Anatoly Bunei. 20 years of letters, requests, complaints … And a two-story wooden hut built in 1946. Long story … Everything magically changed in one hour, when some company decided to build another elite monster there. An apartment was instantly found, and brave fellows from television immediately appeared, eager to shoot a report on the restored justice. And he no longer had the strength to even send normally. Hissed "take them away on …". We removed. With pleasure. Not embarrassed in expressions, because the importunity of the lady who commanded this parade knew no bounds. We are accomplices in the murder. This move simply robbed him of his last strength, which was not enough anyway. He did not live two months after the move.
"Eradrom of the last landing" - so he called this place. And so it happened. He left, but the feeling of belonging will remain, I think, forever. "Why do I need all this now?" - an unanswered question. It's too late, too much for the few. Is it easier that way? Do not know.
"There are few of us left, we are our pain." This is true. Our pain is that there are so few of them left. And soon it won't be left at all. And the pain is that completely different people come to take their place. Not fighters, not flying, but able to judge those who fought. Arguably proving the undeservedness of feats, challenging the significance of victories. And there are more and more of them.
Look into the eyes of those remaining in the ranks. There are so few of them. Calm wisdom and patience. They did everything they could and more. They endured everything: war, hunger, devastation, misunderstanding, contempt, indifference, lies. Mikhail Sharygin, senior sergeant of the guard, tankman, holder of two Orders of Glory (died in 2011) told me this: “It's easier for us. We could do a lot, and did a lot. Our past is in plain sight. And each of us sees and understands the future. And we will never see your future. And you, too, will not see. This is bad. And I had nothing to say, all the desire to object simply vanished under the calm and understanding gaze of a person who knows what he is talking about. It was a little offensive at first, understanding came much later.
In conclusion, I will quote the words of another great poet. He did not fight, did not fly, but he knew how to say like no one else:
Rumbled, burnt out. For us, those who do not want to drown in a whirlpool of indifference, the last line of Vladimir Semyonovich remains the motto. Do not forget and do not lose.
Ring the bell while there is still someone to hear!
