Unfortunately my work took me out of town for a couple of days, and I was unable to post any new material on May 9, Victory Day in Europe. Russia, as well as most countries in the Former Soviet Union, hold this day very sacred. Whether you agree with Soviet or Russian politics, or not, the Russians lost nearly 26 million people during WWII. To this day, May 9 is celebrated as a day of victory and reflection. Much like a July 4th celbration in the US, Russian cities and town decorate, clean up, and put on grand parades and ceremonies. Veterans are revered by the young, and are often awarded additional medals and benefits by the state. It is not uncommon to see 80-90 year old men walking with the left sides of the jackets being pulled down by their war medals. No matter where you are from, it is a humbling experience.
To study WWII and its results will make a stong person's stomach turn. To visit a village that was burned or a memorial marking the location of a mass killing or burial is horrific. I can't imagine the horrors that the usally kind, warm, elderly have suffered. I've posted the link below to the Victory Day Parade that was held in Moscow on Monday, May 9. It comes in two sections, enjoy the show, and don't worry about not understanding Russian. Some thoughts transcend language. http://tv-zvezda.ru/schedule/specialprojects/content/201104271216-k4h3.htm/
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