Memorial Day for the Victims of World War I in Russia Date in the current year: August 1, 2024

Russia started commemorate the victims of World War I during the first year of the war. For instance, in 1915 the Moscow Brotherly Cemetery was opened, the victims of World War I were buried there. However, during the 1920s this tradition was forgotten. It was revived only in the 1980s.

Germany declared war on Russia on July 19, 1914. Russia entered the war, that is known in the history of Russia as The Great War. Estimated casualties of Russia during World War I were about 600,000 soldiers.

The initiative of establishment of Memorial Day for the Victims of World War I belongs to a member of the Federation Council. This initiative was supported and the corresponding law was signed by President of Russia Vladimir Putin on December 31, 2012. The first official observation of Memorial Day took place on August 1, 2013.