captures light

patriotism
2007-09-21

I've held onto this photo for a very very very long time. It was taken back in 2002 while in St. Petersburg during the May Day celebration where Russians everywhere would celebrate their defeat of Germany near the end of the war. Surviving WWII soldiers would done their uniforms and medals, walk through the street and small children would give them flowers. What inspired me most was watching these men, asking for nothing and speaking to no one as they began to cry in honour of their country. Many would pose for tourists while others preferred to be unobserved.

This particular soldier was one of the shyer ones, and while he crossed next to me, I snagged this shot quickly as he gazed upon the Russian flag. Of all the photos I took from that trip and of most I've taken since, this one has always been my favourite.