Editor's word

We dedicate this issue to Victory Day. And although we publish a magazine about lifestyles, interesting people and events in the UAE, our Publishing House is not without reason called “Russian Emirates”. For all Russian-speaking people, May 9 is much more than just the Victory Day, because almost all of us have or had relatives who participated in the war.

In my family, my grandfather fought, who in the 41st eighteen-year-old youth went to the front and for his exploits he was awarded the medal "For Military Merit", the Order of the Red Banner and the Order of Glory of the III degree. At 92 years old, he is alive, healthy and still leads an active life, for example, he is happy to tell first graders about military everyday life, presides over the veteran organization of his district in Moscow, quite often gives interviews to local and foreign media, and regularly receives letters of thanks to Victory Day from the President. About the war and his subsequent life, he wrote a book that is read in one breath and, by the way, is selling well. We are all proud of him and do not cease to be surprised at his will, inner core, and some indefatigable optimism in life. But there are only three percent of people like him in Russia.

No matter how it sounds, but those "lucky" who survived the war, as if got their springboard in life. The war and all the horrors experienced hardened their spirit so much that any obstacles were on their shoulder. My grandfather after the war made a successful career by retiring from the post of deputy minister. Although sometimes it seems to me that he still continues to lead everyone, as he once directed and led the soldiers of his company into battle.

Most recently, on the site “Feat of the People” (podvignaroda.mil. Ru), I first read the originals of orders for his awards, which were accompanied by a handwritten description of his military merits. While reading, goosebumps ran. Now it’s even hard for me to imagine where a person can have so much stamina and courage in at age 20. But, apparently, thanks to just such people, with the iron will to win, self-discipline and incredible courage, we managed to win. Happy holiday to you!

Irina Malkova