“Most Important Thing Is That There Is No War”: RFC Congratulates Veterans on Victory Day
These meetings have long become more than formal visits. They are an opportunity to express words of gratitude, devote attention to, chat over a cup of tea, and offer people of the older generation warmth and care.
The company prepared for the May congratulations in advance. Gift sets with groceries and fish delicacies, including RFC's pollock fillets, were packed for the veterans. The guests also received flowers and sweet treats for a home tea party to make the holiday even warmer and cozier.
"Supporting veterans and paying attention to people who survived the war years, has long been an important part of the RFC’s corporate culture. Every May, this work takes on special value: employees congratulate the heroes on the Victory Day, thank them for their courage and the opportunity to live under a peaceful sky. The memory of the victorious generation's feat continues to unite people of different ages",
Gennady Alekseevich Stepanov thoroughly prepared for the meeting. He put on a ceremonial jacket with medals and commemorative badges, each of them had its own story in front-line years and service to the Motherland. Among the awards, three Ship's Boy of Fire Voyages badges received during his early years, are especially dear to him. As always, his beloved wife Valentina Dmitrievna helped the veteran get ready.
Over the years, memories of the war have gradually faded for Gennady Stepanov, although some episodes still unexpectedly return to memory. For example, after watching celebrations on the Victory Day.
"At first, I dreamed of war... All the time, I was fighting. And then I started forgetting those episodes. And today I watched the celebration and remembered a war episode for some reason",
Fighting, the Soviet troops participated in the liberation of the Kuril Islands. According to him, the fights for the islands were particularly heavy, where Japanese units did not want to retreat for a long time. Stepanov himself, who was only 18 years old then, participated in the landing operation on Iturup Island.
Over the years, the Victory Day has become a more domestic and quiet holiday for Gennady Alekseevich. Previously, he wanted to get to the parade and share the day with other veterans, but now his health no longer allows him to do so. Now he values more attention and visits of guests.
Aleksander Petrov is 82 years old. Many things have happened in his life over the years: challenging times, labor, family joys, and events that became part of an entire era. His wife has been near him for decades. They have managed to build a strong family based on respect, care, and devotion to each other. Today Aleksander Petrov is a loving father of two children and a happy grandfather, surrounded by the attention of relatives and loved ones.
The sea has become an integral part of life and profession for the Petrov family. Even in his youth, Aleksander Petrov dreamed of throwing in his lot with the Navy and serving the country. With time, he managed to achieve both dreams. As Aleksander Petrov recalls, he and his wife got married in Kaliningrad.
The guests’ visit ended with the presentation of gifts. The company's employees presented a new home vacuum cleaner to Aleksander Petrov, a war child, and his wife. Gennady Stepanov, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, was given a longtime dream — a modern cordless razor.
The main thing remains unchanged — the warm attitude of veterans toward people and their amazing soulfulness. They welcome guests with sincere joy, invite them to the table, serve tea, and are in no hurry to say goodbye, willingly sharing memories of their lives and life experience.
