Russian heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky of the Northern Fleet has hold a ceremonial action dedicated to the start of the St. George Ribbon campaign at the warship.

The action began with the Russian hymn and raising of the St. Andrew's flag.

The cruiser's commander, Felix Menkov and the cruiser's deputy commander, Arkady Mogilevets, has presented sailors with ribbons.

"It is a double pleasure today that a young generation Russian sailors perform tasks of a long voyage in the Indian Ocean," Mogilevets said. "We hold the St. George Ribbon action on the ship for a first time. During a week sailors, sergeants, warrant officers and officers will wear the ribbons, thereby paying tribute and honors to those who never returned from the Great Patriotic War battles."

The campaign, which was initiated by RIA Novosti and the Student Community youth organization, commemorates the heroes of the eastern front during WWII and involves hundreds of partners in Russia and abroad.

More than 55 million orange and black ribbons have been distributed across the globe since the campaign was first held in 2005. Ahead of Victory Day, people in many countries decorate their cars, clothes and everything else with the ribbons as an expression of their respect for those who died during the war.

Orange and black are the traditional colors of Soviet and Russian awards for achievements in combat. The black and orange stripes symbolize smoke and fire.

CRUISER PYOTR VELIKY, May 2 (RIA Novosti)