Last Saturday was the 64th Victory Day her
e in Ukraine. Victory Day is the holiday remembering when the Nazi forces surrendered to the Allies in WWII. Because of Russia's role in capturing Berlin, Victory Day is a proud day for them.We were excited to be a part of the celebration with them this year. We missed their traditional parade of veterans, but were able to experience some of the
excitement and fun that evening. We met the Hindmans for dinner, then headed to the main square to see what was going
on.We met Valeriy and another friend Julie at the square and listened to the concert for a little bit. Then we headed into Shevchenko park to walk around. The park is huge and the trees are all very green (such a contrast to what it looks like in the winter!). The park was very crowded with people celebrating the holiday wit
h friends.
After walking in the park, we decided to head home. They had fireworks scheduled for later, but we didn't feel like waiting over an hour to see them from the square. As you can see, we still had a pretty good view from our balcony!
Happy Victory Day... a great memorial because it marked the end of a horrible time in history worldwide, but especially for those in this part of the world. Statistics today say that the Russian federation lost between 23-27 million during WWII. Sixty-four years later, we should still be celebrating the end to such a horr
ible genocide!
9 comments:
That's interesting that they still celebrate it in such a big way. I agree with you that it should be! Marisa and I were just thinking about WWII this weekend when we visited the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. It was moving to consider all those who died for the freedom of their loved ones and for their country. I don't feel like I always live in such a way as to deserve their sacrifice. Reminds me of Romans 5:7 - "For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die" (ESV) Thank God that Christ died for us!
Thanks for the pictures. Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you guys! - dougle
If I'm correct, more Ukrainians died in WWIi than any other nation. (you'll have to go visit the Iron Lady in Kiev, she has a war memorial under her.)
Thanks for the post. I had never heard of this celebration before. And that's a great picture of the both of you at the end.
Love and miss you both!
Debbie
Very cool, guys. I thought Kharkov would do a lot more than most smaller cities.
Awesome pictures, love seeing those.
Looks like you guys are really getting involved in the culture there. What fun!
Alison
olivia, thank for you comments on my blog. i love keeping up with you guys in your world over in the ukraine. also thank you both for sending me my package, it was such a surprise today, and i told my mom how much i love and appreciate you guys. my little guys on my car keys.
let's talk soon. peace.
and thanks for your comments david.
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