Victory Day

May 9th, 2009

Victory Day in Russia is unlike anything I have ever seen. On this one day over 20,000 people gathered into Palace Square to listen to speeches and watch as the military is presented along with different types of vehicles. Since there were so many people it was impossible to see anything unless you were on the shoulders of another individual. After the chaotic but amazing spectacle that is Victory Day morning we proceeded back down the main street, where many of us bought small flags to remind us of the day, and got onto the Metro. From there we went to two different memorials in different locations in the city. The first one was PISKARIOVSKOYE MEMORIAL CEMETERY and here was an overwhelming collection of mass graves showing thousands upon thousands of individuals who died during the siege of Leningrad. The mood in this hallow place was one of remembrances, pride and sorrow. Watching family members place flowers, candies, candles and vodka on graves showed how deeply they felt about this tragic event and how it still affects their lives. After that we went to the Siege Memorial which was an amazing place that taught all those who went there about the history of the siege as well as showing a documentary about the lives of the people who lived through it. After the history of the day we got to watch a parade that was all about individuals who lived through the Siege or their family members. It was nice to watch their veterans being honored in such a way that I have never seen before.