That’s more than twice the population of New York City at the time. An equivalent scope of death to the USSR would have meant that about 18 million Americans would have died. Imagine how that might change the way you look at the world, and how we reflect upon what happened from 1939-1945. Imagine how your would have felt if 78% of your identified group had been systematically exterminated by the Nazis, including your grandmother’s family. Imagine if we had lost 13.7% of our total population, like the USSR. Imagine what our national identity might have been if we had lost 3.29% of our population and been left to be invaded, like the Philippines. I know that comparing these horrors is morally problematic, but bear with me for just another second for a thought experiment. ![]() World War II Memorial in a village in Chuy Oblast, Kyrgyzstan It may sound a little grandiose, but the truth is that World War II had an enormous impact on the Soviet Union’s population and identity. It is called the Great Patriotic War (Великая Отечественная Война in Russian and Улуу Ата-Мекендик Согуш in Kyrgyz) by the USSR, and the World Anti-Fascist War in many other places. The first sign of difference is that World War II here is not called World War II. This year, I wanted to explore a bit deeper into the significance of this holiday of remembrance and its history, and why it is such an important holiday. I later learned that it was the largest and most lavish parade held in Russian history, and even included a group of Kyrgyz soldiers (as did the Chinese Victory Day parade held in September). A year ago, I wrote about Victory Day, the 9 May holiday that marks the end of the War, because it was the 70th anniversary, and I watched the spectacular military parade in Moscow on television. But in the former Soviet Union, World War II is thought of quite differently. There’s a whole bevy of satirical merchandise for sale that says “USA: Back To Back World War Champs,” obviously joking. ![]() In America, we like to say that we “won” World War II. The Ultimate Peace Corps Kyrgyzstan FAQ.Gallery: Kyrgyz Nomad Horse Games Festival.6 Hours In Brussels: A Destination and Layover Guide.8 Hours In Istanbul: A Destination and Layover Guide.72 Hours In Osh, Kyrgyzstan: A Destination Guide.72 Hours In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: A Destination Guide.
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