Photo Credit to Alissa Ambrose
In a high school American history class, many teachers explain how America’s D-Day invasion was a remarkable success. While few would argue the contrary, even fewer teachers mention that Russian troops were the first to storm Hitler’s undergound base in Berlin, defeating Germany in World War II. In Russia, and in many ex-Soviet states, Victory Day on May 7th, celebrates a moment of triumph and an instance of relief from belligerence. Slavs celebrate with their family, gathering in close social circles, and toasting to the success of their motherland. Many who moved have continued to recognize this moment in their ethnic enclaves.
Brighton Beach, a lively Russian community, rolls out on the street of Coney Island Avenue. Where motorcyclist veterans lead a convoy of Harley’s flagged with communist flags from the USSR and the stars spangled banners mounted side-by-side. They not only acknowledge the historic victory of their homeland, but the seemingly paradoxical unison of American culture and Soviet traditions.
Victory Day is not recognized as an official American holiday, but it has small ethnic followings particularly in the Russian community. I have already browsed photo documents depicting the annual celebration by immigrants and various local newspapers have reported on the event. As this year’s celebration approaches, reaching out the planners of this year’s parade could provide further insight on the preservation of this celebration. An analysis of Victory Day in Brooklyn would also offer deeper insight on the values of Russian culture, as the celebration of Victory Day may contrast in the extent that traditions and historical symbols are preserved and acknowledged.
Furthermore, drawing a comparison between how Victory Day is celebrated in New York versus Moscow, can offer insight on the contrasting capacity of both nations to acknowledge the historical events. I am inclined to believe that the public display of the hammer and sickle in Russian is at least a civil offense. In other words, a comprehensive study of Victory Day can provide a lens to weighing the development of democracy in Russia, while offering insight on the migration of nationalism.
Brief Outline
1. Historic Background on Victory Day
2. Background on it’s celebration
How has the celebration of the holiday changed (or preserved) its identity with the fall of the Soviet Union?
3. Evolution of the Celebration
When was the Victory Day Parade first held on Brighton Beach? How has it changed in recent years?
How do the attendees differ, whether by age or ethnicity?
Are the attendees on Brighton predominantly Russia, or are they representative of the Soviet Union as a whole?
4. Interviews
Nat Singer, President of Brighton Neighborhood Association
Waiting on responses from local Russian newspapers:
Russian Reklama, Davidzon Gazetta, Russian Bazaar,
Waiting on response from a documentary photographer:
Paul Berman of kolored
5. Potential On-site Interviews on May 9th
Veteran Interview
6. Supporting Research
Allies Join Russians in Celebrating Victory Day
http://en.paradpobedy.ru/
