May 9 is a huge holiday celebrated in Russia. It's probably best compared to our 4th of July celebrations. May 9th is a patriotic holiday to celebrate and honor the end of World War II and the veterans and civilians who took part in it.
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| The Mother Russia We went to a massive burial site for all those who died in the blockade during WWII and it had a statue of the woman who represents Russia and all she stands for |
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| Allison, Nicole, and Me in front of Mother Russia |
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| The Russian flag flying on Victory Day. |
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| An Eternal Flame to honor soldiers |
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| The blockade by the Germans during WWII kept the people of St. Petersburg without food and supplies for 900 days. Now they place bread, candy, and other food on graves as a memorial of the times when they had nothing. |
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| Order of St. George Ribbon |
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| These ribbons were awarded by Imperial Russia to soldiers for brave acts during war times. The tradition has carried on and on Victory Day everyone had these pinned to their shirts or tied around bags, wrists, and trees. |
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| A veteran at the cemetery on Victory Day. |
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| The younger generation shows a lot of respect to their elders, especially veterans. We followed this man down the long row of graves and he received dozens of flowers and gifts from young people showing their gratitude for the service and sacrifice made for them. |
