Victory Day

Yesterday we went to a special ceremony to honor all WWII veterans. Our host, Victor, has recently retired from the military and has a special decal on his car which gives him the ability to park pretty much wherever he wants and other privileges in the city. We were given seats in the area with the vets and before the ceremony started, we bout flowers. It is tradition to give a flower to each vet you can and also to buy the flowers in groups of 5. Our translator was awesome and she asked several of the vets if I could take a picture of them with all of their medals. Some were wearing their old uniforms and many of the spouses had dresses and flowers. It was a very emotional event for me I think not only because mu husband David is serving in the military, but also because my Uncle John was born in Amercia but grew up in Germany during WWII and I know first-hand how much he suffered during this time period.
Masha, our translator told the vets that David is active duty military and many thanked me for his service. Some asked me about my opinion of the day. I said that service members from all countries suffered and it was a very difficult thing for all of them to endure. One man talked to Masha for a few minutes and she was so overcome with emotion that she could not speak for a few minutes. When she was able to translate, she said the man had many brothers and he was the only one to survive the war. She thanked him for his service and said she was sorry for his loss.
Many people gave speaches. First, the Mayor of Vladimir, then the Governor, then a high ranking Russian Orthodox Priest. Lastly, a famous serviceman spoke and Masha said he was the last member of his battalion.
It is sad that as in America, each year there are fewer and fewer members who are able to come to the ceremony.
One man we met danced and sang a song for us (mainly Sarah). We took several pictures and it was a moving experience.