May 9, 1945

Information Bulletin, Embassy of the U.S.S.R.

On May 8, 1945, in Berlin, the representatives of the German High Command signed the act of unconditional surrender of the forces of the German army.

The Great Patriotic War waged by the Soviet people against the German-fascist invaders has been victoriously concluded; Germany is utterly routed.

Comrades Red Army men, Red Navy men, sergeants, petty officers, officers of the Army and Navy, generals, admirals and marshals! I congratulate you upon the victorious termination of the Great Patriotic War.

To mark the complete victory over Germany, today, on May 9, the Day of Victory, at 10 P.M., the capital of our Motherland-Moscow-on behalf of the Motherland, will salute the gallant troops of the Red Army and the ships and units of the Navy which have won this brilliant victory, by firing thirty artillery salvos from 1,000 guns.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the fighting for the freedom and independence of our Motherland!

Long live the victorious Red Army and Navy!

(Signed) Supreme Commander-in-Chief,
Marshal of the Soviet Union,
JOSEPH STALIN