One of the things I’ve noticed during my time here is how much Russians care about their deceased loved ones.  This was evident around Easter, when the weather started getting nice and everyone was out in the cemetery raking leaves and laying flowers on graves.  I saw the same spirit again on Victory Day.
Out on the streets and especially at Park Pobedy [Victory Park], there were many people walking slowly around, carrying portraits above their heads, much like one would carry holy books and icons in a religious procession.

Most of the pictures appeared to be armed forces enrollment photos, and there were names and little descriptions underneath.  They were grandfathers, uncles, fathers, sons and brothers that had served in World War II, or as it’s called in Russian “the Great Patriotic War” or “the Great Fatherland War”.  Sometimes I’d see passersby stop and ask the picture-carriers about their relatives.

While strolling Belyi gorod (“White City” – a district in NW Moscow) after Victory Day, Almeda, Sahree, and I encountered a board on which people were invited to post tributes to their loved ones.

As you can see, many memorials were shared.  Wars are often talked about in terms of numbers, but doing so is dangerous; it removes the human element from the conflict.  Seeing displays like this and the pictures on Victory Day remind one of how many individual stories actually comprise an event like World War II, the size and destruction of which are beyond all sense and reason.  Reflecting upon such a tragedy, as opposed to trying to push it out of the public consciousness, has brought Russians together, and their annual tribute is the most touching event I’ve ever been a part of.