Congratulation speech of Governor of Saint-Petersburg Mr. Georgy Poltavchenko and Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Saint-Petersburg Mr. Vyacheslav Makarov:

Dear Leningraders and Saint-Petersburgers!

My dear veterans and blockade survivors!

January 27^th is the holy day for our city. 73 years ago the enemy forces were defeated and thrown back from the walls of Leningrad fortress. One of the most dreadful and at the same time the most heroic pages of the Great Patriotic War history was finally turned over.

One could not find a single family that was not touched by the siege or whose members did not perish during it. The Battle for Leningrad meant 900 days and nights of torments, bravery and self-sacrifice. Hunger, bitter frost, barbaric air raids and bomb shelling were not enough to break the defenders of the city and its people. Despite cruel deprivations and challenges the Leningraders withstood the enemy. Their unmatched heroic deed became the symbol of courage, strong spirit, steadfastness and love for Motherland.

We bow low to all who survived through the terrible days of the siege as kids, who worked in the factories of the besieged city, who defended it with weapons in their arms. May all heroes be remember and honoured for not sparing their lives for the sake of Motherland and future generations. For us it is of great importance that every eye -witness, defender and veteran should be surrounded with love and care.

We wish you strong health, peace and long years, dear veterans!

Congratulate all Saint-Petersburgers with Leningrad’s Victory Day!