MOSCOW—Victory Park buzzed with emotion Thursday as locals gathered to honor war heroes after the city’s grand Victory Day parade. Amid laughter, tears, and stories shared over steaming tea, one attendee stood out: 99-year-old veteran Ivan Petrov, whose weathered hands clutched medals earned during WWII. 🌸
"We fought not for glory," Petrov told crowds, his voice steady. "We fought so our grandchildren could dance under peaceful skies." The event blended solemn remembrance with lively folk music, as younger generations snapped selfies with veterans—a mashup of history and modern connection.
Organizers highlighted how such gatherings bridge eras, with VR exhibits replaying wartime scenes alongside kids sketching portraits of their hero guests. One teenager grinned: "Meeting Ivan felt like touching history—but way cooler than any TikTok trend."
As dusk fell, lanterns lit the park, symbolizing hope—a reminder that courage spans generations. 💫
