Today, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day — an enduring symbol of the triumph of the people over fascist tyranny and barbarism.

On this day in 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered to the Soviet Union, bringing an end to the most destructive war the world has ever known.

As Communists, we especially take pride in honoring the role of the Soviet Union, a socialist and Communist-led state, which bore the brunt of the Nazi war machine and emerged as the decisive force in its defeat.

Over 27 million Soviet citizens — soldiers and civilians alike — gave their lives in that struggle. It was the Red Army that broke the back of fascism at Stalingrad, Kursk, Budapest, and Berlin. Their heroism, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to justice are forever etched in the memory of humanity.

Today, as fascism once again rears its head around the globe in new and insidious forms-from racist nationalism to authoritarian repression-it is not enough to simply remember the past. We must honor the legacy of those who died fighting fascism by carrying forward their struggle. We must organize, educate, and mobilize in defense of working class. We must build a world based not on profit, but on solidarity, equality, and peace.

To call ourselves Communists is not merely to adopt a political label. It is to take up the mantle of those who stood against Hitler and Mussolini. It is to strive each day to be worthy of that name, by fighting for a better future.

On this Victory Day, we remember, we honor, and we recommit ourselves to the eternal cause of labor.

Onwards, to victory!