MOSCOW, April 23 (RIA Novosti) - The St. George Ribbon campaign has been launched in Russia in the run-up to the 62nd VE-Day celebrations.

The orange and black ribbon is the symbol of Russia's victory in WWII and also a mark of military courage and glory.

The first St. George Ribbon campaign was held in the spring of 2005. The campaign was designed and conducted by RIA Novosti and the Student Community non-governmental organization with a view to rehabilitating the importance of Victory Day, a public holiday May 9 marking the end of the war, among young people.

During the 2006 campaign, almost 5 million ribbons were passed out around the world as a tribute of respect to the Soviet soldiers who covered the path from Moscow to Berlin.

This year the campaign will run until May 12.