Veterans of the Great Patriotic War

On the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, elderly Russians across Brooklyn and Queens don their best clothing, and with the help of their adult children, affix their Red Army World War II medals to their chests.

Over 20 million citizens lost their lives in the Great Patriotic War; Almost every family was affected. Many of the former Soviet citizens who participated in the war effort are well into their 80s and 90s, but in Brighton Beach on May 9th, they they stand proud as relatives, well-wishers and neighborhood children hand them flowers, thank them for their achievements, and wish them a happy Victory Day.