Thanks to Correspondent Mike (Misha) Momot for this article on this recent, fascinating event:
Russian Mosaic Festival 2009
September 20th was this year’s date for the annual Russian Mosaic Festival. Part of a series of ethnic culture festivals held at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.
The 193rd Rifle Division was once again in attendance to help honor Russian art, culture, and heritage at this fine event. The 193rd Rifle Division of the Workers and Peasants Red Army is an organization of WWII or “Great Patriotic War†(as our Russian comrades refer to it) living historians. We honor the men and women of the Soviet Union’s armed forces who made many sacrifices in defense or their Motherland.
This year’s event was attended by: Lou Sliazis, Ted Lazcano, Emily Momot and myself. Also in attendance and representing the White Army during the time of the Great Revolution was our comrade Keith Allen.
The weather was fine, the devushkas finer. Ted had noted, and I’m paraphrasing here, that you would think America are a gun loving culture but the Russian people really seem to embrace their firearms. It seems to still be respected as a symbol of strength whereas Americans seem to be shying away from this as a whole.
The people are the friendliest you will find, the food and drink are always good though this year the vendors were not as plentiful. The music and weather were to be enjoyed and of course with our own com station set up (thanks Lou) we had our traditional songs of struggle and inspiration playing over the radio. Ted displayed an impressive array of weaponry and Emily a growing medical impression.
People lined up for photos, asked questions, shared stories from the Motherland, and came away feeling good. What I found even more impressive were the people of non- Russian heritage who stopped by to learn more of this rich culture. This is a special event for me as I am a part of this vast culture myself. It includes all the peoples of Russia and the former Soviet Republics.
Come out and visit or participate if you have something to add. This event is attended by the 193rd at the personal invite of the event organizer. This is source of honor and pride for us for they don’t invite just anybody.
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