The fate of each of them matters to the motherland, and caring for the Russian diaspora is not only a moral duty of the country, but also promotes mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign powers.
As in many other cultural and educational initiatives, St. Petersburg has actively joined programs to support and protect compatriots from the Russian diaspora. One of the areas that the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg keeps under constant close attention is care for veterans who participated in the defense of the city, as well as all those who endured the severe burden of the siege. Work in this area is characterized by consistency and determination, as well as a coordinated conceptual policy in close cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Time is ruthless, but even it cannot erase from human memory the feat of the people who made Leningrad a symbol of courage, resilience and heroism. Veterans Abroad, despite the distance from the city on the Neva, continue to proudly carry in their hearts love and devotion to their comrades and all the residents who withstood against all odds. For 15 years now, no celebration of the two most important events in the history of St. Petersburg – the Victory anniversary and the Day of Complete Liberation – has been complete without these people. Twice a year, many veterans come in person to visit places of former glory and take part in celebratory events. The heroes are invariably surrounded by care and solemn gratitude of descendants, and members of the city government always find time to meet with the heroes, organize thematic events for them, and give gifts.
It is regrettable that many participants of those distant events cannot visit St. Petersburg – age, health condition, financial difficulties and other obstacles prevent the trip. Nevertheless, none of them are left without attention. The Committee for External Relations has established close cooperation with veteran organizations, Rossotrudnichestvo organizations and diplomatic missions to compile a list of all participants in the heroic defense of the city.
By the 70th anniversary of the Day of Liberation, a commemorative sign was prepared, and the city government considers it its sacred duty to present it to every veteran awarded the badge 'Resident of Siege Leningrad' or the medal 'For the Defense of Leningrad'. In 2014, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received about 7,000 such signs so that each of them would reach its recipient.
To demonstrate genuine care for the heroes, the authorities of St. Petersburg are not limited to formal award ceremonies. Personal trips abroad are organized to supplement the presentation of the badge of honor with the warmth of gratitude and love. At the same time, concerts, photo exhibitions and other events are held, and their geography is constantly growing – Lithuania, Latvia, Israel, Germany and other countries have repeatedly witnessed such emotion-filled meetings.
Some veterans receive targeted material assistance – wheelchairs, canes and medical supplies. Each time they receive help, the heroes cannot hold back tears of joy and emotion, and such gratitude is the best evidence of how important every sign of attention and the assistance provided is, inspiring the Committee for External Relations of the city to further work in this direction. As long as the participants of that heroic defense are alive, St. Petersburg will not leave them without attention!
_