The Soviet Military Awards Page..Victory Day in Kiev

VICTORY DAY
IN KIEV
by Henry Sakaida
continued

Henry shakes hands with a Hero of the Soviet Union...

All veterans wear their medals proudly. This gentleman enjoys the festivities.

including a twice Hero of the Soviet Union! Getting up close, I could see that they must have been wearing copies rather than their original Hero Stars. The stars and suspensions had a mirror polish and seemed gold plated; the ribbons looked new. However, the greatest thrill for me was actually meeting a Cavalier of the Order of Glory, a former enlisted man who had won all three classes. The medals were worn and he wore them proudly. I was so excited, I forgot to ask his name! Victory Day took on a festive air. The entire downtown

...and meets a Cavalier holder of the Order of Glory.

street was blocked off and people were merrily strolling along. Food vendors were everywhere and there was a big outdoor concert. Soldiers and veterans marched down the street to the wild applause of onlookers and well wishers. Although there is great economic hardships, people scrimp and save for this day so that they could buy snacks and souvenirs for their children and have a great time. Later that night, there was a big fireworks display in the city parks. Much like our 4th of July, families gathered in the park to picnic. Victory Day is about the only holiday in Ukraine where the police go lightly on the intoxicated.
On the morning of May 10th, it was time for me to come home. Before leaving, a neighbor of my host had brought over her deceased grandfather's collection of mounted WWII medals. They were of the common variety easily obtained here. She wanted to sell them to me, but I politely declined the offer and explained that it was illegal for me to take them out. I'm glad I avoided this temptation. At the airport, they scanned my luggage and detected a coin I was trying to bring home. I had found it in a park and decided it was going to be my "good luck" souvenir. According to their customs policy, it is illegal to take home any form of Ukrainian currency, as well as medals. My single coin was detected and the officer told me to open the luggage for inspection. The officer poked around in my suitcase and didn't really seem serious about checking for that coin. He went through the motions, then apologized for the inconvenience (!!), and I was on my way...with my lucky coin! If I had those medals in my suitcase, it would have been spotted right away. The consequence? I could have slipped the guy a $20 bill and taken my chances that he would overlook it. Or it could have backfired and I would have missed my flight! (There is only one flight a week to and from Kiev). In addition, the medals would have been confiscated and I would have faced a large fine. Before leaving, you are required to fill out another customs declaration. Not all officials are crooked. Medals in quantity would constitute smuggling. A native would face jail time. My advice: Leave the smuggling to the professionals. Obey their laws and have a good time!

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