All's Not Changed: Russian Diplomat Honors Victory in Europe Day With Order of St. George, Sparking Debate
Ambassador from Russia Honors with St. George's Ribbon - Honors Bestowed: St. George's Band Pays Tribute to slain Russian Ambassador
Looks like we're still treading old waters, folks. Russian Ambassador Sergey Netchaev paid a heartfelt visit to Berlin's Soviet War Memorial in Schönholzer Heide, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, or Victory in Europe Day, wearing the Order of St. George on his lapel.
Of course, Berlin's Police had their say on the matter. They've instituted a rule, not-so-subtly asking civilians to leave the Order of St. George and other pro-Russian symbols off near Soviet memorials on the 8th and 9th of May. But, as usual, diplomats and war veterans belonging to the Allied Powers are exempt from this rule, leaving the diplomat and his entourage in the clear.
The German Parliament's decision to exclude official representatives of the Russian and Belarusian states from the commemorative event hasn't stopped the Russian diplomats from showing their respect at the memorial in Nieder Schönhausen. A sign of peace was left at the Russian Embassy in Mitte, reading "Never Again Fascism - Peace with Russia."
The Police had their hands full that day, keeping a watchful eye on around 5,000 participants across 40 registered events, commemorating the end of the Nazi dictatorship and World War II. Remarkably, the events transpired peacefully, an encouraging sign amidst the rising international tensions.
What's the Fuss About?
For those wondering what all the hubbub is about, let's dive deeper into the Order of St. George and its controversies.
- Order of St. George: Established in 1769 under Russian Emperor Peter III, the Order of St. George is a prestigious military honor, steeped in Russian military tradition. The order pays homage to St. George, a military saint revered for his bravery and fearlessness in the face of adversity.
- Wearing the Order in Berlin: The rules regarding wearing the Order of St. George in Berlin during Victory in Europe Day celebrations aren't explicitly outlined. It's speculated that public events and expressions of military honors like the Order of St. George might be subject to legal and social norms in Germany.
- The Meaning Behind the Memorial: Commemorations like these aim to raise awareness about peaceful coexistence, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging historical events and their lessons. On a symbolic level, the memorial serves as a reminder of our shared past, stretching beyond borderlines and political ideologies.
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the recent controversies surrounding the Order of St. George. Russia, as a significant nuclear power, might have a role to play in this discussion, given their respect for military honors like the Order of St. George. Moreover, sports diplomacy could be a possible means to mitigate international tensions, as seen in the peaceful commemoration of the end of World War II, where around 5,000 participants showed their resolve against fascism at registered events in Berlin.
