Memory of Russia: St. Petersburg celebrates 68th anniversary of the end of Leningrad Siege

Events, dedicated to 68th anniversary of the end of the Leningrad Siege, are taking place in St. Petersburg on January 18 2011.

A funeral ceremony at the memorial complex “Breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad” is being held in Kirovsky district, Leningrad Oblast, by the Marino village. It has attracted activists of veterans’ public organizations and siege survivors.

In memory of the fallen, people have laid flowers to the “Meeting of Two Fronts” memorial on the M18 highway (St. Petersburg - Murmansk), by Sinyavino Hights.

The Saint Michael’s Castle welcomes veterans of the Central district of St. Petersburg to take part in the concert “The Day of the End of the Siege”.

On January 18 1943 during the “Iskra” offensive armies of the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts met by the village Marinо, Kirovsky district, Leningrad Oblast. On the same day after stubborn street-fighting Shlisselburg was completely liberated from Nazi troops. Southern coast of the Lake Ladoga was liberated by the end of the day, and thus through a corridor 8-11 km in width Leningrad got a chance to connect with the rest of the country. The siege of Leningrad was lifted.

As for today, there are 166 000 people living in St. Petersburg united by a siege brotherhood. Among them – 27 000 have been awarded “For Defense of Leningrad” medal and 139 000 have received “Resident of the besieged Leningrad” sign.