This is actually my second Victory Day in Crimea, last year we were in Kerch. This time, Theodosia.
Of course the holiday observance here was nothing like the grand international spectacle in Moscow, but that is also an advantage as the action was much more accessible.
As expected, the Theodosia ceremony took place at the eternal flame which, interestingly, pays homage to the Civil War as well as the Great Patriotic War.
The ceremony begins and ends with the Russian national anthem (which is conveniently the same tune as the Soviet anthem) and follows roughly the same format as at Red Square; a minite of silence, speeches, poetry and
There is a wreath laying ceremony, and everyone who wishes can place flowers at the monument.
Some folks in western countries have this idea that Crimea is “occupied” and the locals aren't patriotic. Hopefully, maybe, photos such as these can prove otherwise.
And the patriotism isn't just for show. I also saw the display of names and faces of the local volunteers who died in the Special Military Operation. Unfortunately, it was a long list, more than a hundred names. Quite staggering for a town of just 66,000 people. Many of the dates of death are quite recent.
Naturally, it is tempting to say peace should be accepted at the first opportunity, but Crimeans aren't dying for a for a peace that doesn't last. The unfortunate reality for those in power is that they have an obligation to ensure that the sacrifice of the common people ends with a victory decisive enough for the sacrifice to not need to be repeated.
Theodosia has many memorials dating back to the Crimean War, further reinforcing the point.