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Cold War ghosts. They still linger on... I hope Leo finds his way to this, he will be interested.
We used to travel to Russia quite often, our visits straddling the Cold War / glasnost / Western cultural invasion. I was always fascinated by how the monuments to all of those, plus the old Imperial past, co-existed almost comfortably.
I remember that the first time I visited the Blockade cemetery in what was then Leningrad, where some three quarters of a million bodies lie in mass graves, just some of the dead from just one city, our friend Boris said 'Remember that we had already had Napoleon...' I did understand the Russian side of the Cold War rather better from that.
We used to travel to Russia quite often, our visits straddling the Cold War / glasnost / Western cultural invasion. I was always fascinated by how the monuments to all of those, plus the old Imperial past, co-existed almost comfortably.
I remember that the first time I visited the Blockade cemetery in what was then Leningrad, where some three quarters of a million bodies lie in mass graves, just some of the dead from just one city, our friend Boris said 'Remember that we had already had Napoleon...' I did understand the Russian side of the Cold War rather better from that.
For Russians and the citizens of the former Soviet Union (including the then Belorussia, that was heavily hit) the WWII is known dramatically as "The Great Patriotic War," a phrase which in a Russian mind conjures up immediate associations with Napoleon's retreat from Moscow in 1812. The victory over Hitler and fascism remains modern-day Russia's proudest moment and the greatest human tragedy. Up to 30 million soldiers and civilians were dead, the Soviet Union had lost a third of its national wealth, cities such as Stalingrad had been reduced to lunar landscapes, and an entire generation of men had been decimated. The Red Army's immense contribution to the Victory is undeniable, a contribution that dwarfs that of Britain and, indeed, the United States. The Soviet Union lost more soldiers and civilians during the war than any other country. Meanwhile, some modern-day observers will see Russia's 1941-1945 war victory celebrations as a hideous stage-managed attempt to glorify the USSR, Stalin and even President Putin. But for the remaining veterans it is simply an opportunity to unite around one of the dwindling number of constants in their lives and to recall one of the few things that modern-day Russians still feel proud of. It is likely to be the final occasion for such men and women to feel as though their sacrifice had made a real difference to the world.
V1 for me. And thanks for the info. Great historical set here.
Echo Leo’s remarks re Red Army’s contribution. Remember too, that it all happened on Russia’s borders, Britain and more so America were separated by water.
Cheers
Alan
Echo Leo’s remarks re Red Army’s contribution. Remember too, that it all happened on Russia’s borders, Britain and more so America were separated by water.
Cheers
Alan
Excellent set
Excellent set Nezih great detail in all images, a very interesting upload,
Fred.
Fred.
How thoughtful of you to photograph and post this!
I also agree with Leo (and Moira, of course - I was there!) and thank them and of course you for this fascinating photo of a relic/monument that is quite new to me.
There is much more that I could say but am extremely busy with early mornings and late nights - work not enjoyment - but will get in touch again later.
Regards
Bill
I also agree with Leo (and Moira, of course - I was there!) and thank them and of course you for this fascinating photo of a relic/monument that is quite new to me.
There is much more that I could say but am extremely busy with early mornings and late nights - work not enjoyment - but will get in touch again later.
Regards
Bill
A great set Nezih a very interesting write up 
Cliff
Cliff
