I visited the USSR back in 1986, went with my grandmother as part of a peace group. Everywhere we went there were statues and reminders. Even in the smallest schools there were plaques on the wall for those from that school were killed in the war - and special collections, which the children were expected to study, of the history - and memorabilia. They want to make sure that no one forgets.
We stopped once for a meal at a retreat way up in the Caucasus Mountains (we heard later that it was KGB, but it was the only place to eat for miles!) and even they had a small museum dedicated to the war...
Since we were a peace group, we met with other peace groups. And at the time there were still quite a few who had experienced the war among them. I remember one older lady especially - she'd been a nurse during the war - and she asked us that when we went home to be sure to tell our president that they wanted peace. Still chokes me up to remember her, she was so emphatic and sincere.
I know we have issues with the government, as we had then. But the people remember and they never want to experience that again. 
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read