May 9, 2020 is the 75^th anniversary of victory over fascism in  World War II. Although the Azerbaijani SSR, which was part of the USSR at that time, did not become a battlefield, it took an active part in the war from beginning to end. All the material and spiritual resources of Azerbaijan, manpower were involved in the war against fascism. Azerbaijani people fought heroically both on front and in the rear during the so-called "Patriotic War" of World War II, 1941-1945. In a very short period of time, 87 fighter battalions and 1,124 self-defense units were established in the country. 416th, 271st, 77th, and 223rd National divisions consisting of Azerbaijanis passed a glorious battle route from Caucasus Mountains to Berlin during the war.  Of the 650,000 Azerbaijani citizens who took part in the war, 420,000 did not return. For their heroism, 43 Azerbaijanis were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and 30 people were awarded all three degrees of the Order of Glory. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union Hazi Aslanov, Heroes of the Soviet Union Israfil Mammadov, Aslan Vazirov, Adil Guliyev, Ziya Bunyadov, Garay Asadov, Malik Maharramov, Mehdi Huseynzade, Generals Mahmud Abilov, Akim Abbasov, Tarlan Aliyarbeyov, Hajibaba Zeynalov and others with their bravery written in golden letters in history. Despite the difficulties, our oilmen provided the fighting army with a fuel. A group of scientists headed by Azerbaijani scientist Yusif Mammadaliyev discovered a method for obtaining high-octane airplane petrol.  Baku oil accounted for 71.4% of the oil produced in the USSR. The planes and tanks of the Soviet army were almost entirely powered by Baku oil. Other riches of Azerbaijan were also spent on the front.

The bloodiest war in human history ended on May 9, 1945. Victory over fascism is celebrated as an official state holiday in Azerbaijan every year.