Our dear veterans, colleagues, students, and friends!

I sincerely congratulate you on one of the most significant and beloved holidays in our country – Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War!

May 9, 1945 is a sacred date that we will always keep in our memory. This day has not only historical significance. We remember the heroes, soldiers, and home front workers. We remember those who died for the Victory, those who reached it, and those who rebuilt the country in the post-war years.

From the first day of the war, the students and professors of Saratov State University went to the front as volunteers. Those who fought valiantly, and those who remained in the home front, gave all they could to free the world from the fascist invaders.

During the war, SSU was immersed in active labour and socio-political work. The entire university staff, especially when Saratov became a frontline city, went out to dig trenches, build defensive lines, and participated in the construction and repair of roads. Our colleagues went to agricultural work, patronised hospitals, and units of the Red Army, collected warm clothes, and engaged in propaganda. Their selfless work became an important component of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

We remember and honour the memory of these heroes. Their courage will always serve as an example for us and future generations. These days, each of us will come to the Memorial of the students and professors of our university and medical university. This memorial in the campus is a tribute to our colleagues and students who did not return from the war.

There is no family in Russia that would not be affected by the war. There is no family that lost someone. And there is no family that will not celebrate this great holiday with the pride of a winner.

On this Day, I hope you and your families will stay healthy, be prosperous, and have faith in people, in your country, and its future. May this holiday fill your hearts with pride for our history, our loved ones and acquaintances who went through the war or worked for a speedy Victory. Let's remember!

Rector of Saratov State University

Alexei Chumachenko