Lesson from Moscow

Years ago, we worried that the Russians were coming. Since the Russians never did march down Main Street, our son decided to go to visit Russia on his own. He writes, "It was May 2010, and Moscow was decked out in red and gold to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. ... During the Victory Day parade in Red Square ... bombers and jets thundered overhead. ... The Russian national anthem echoed off the red brick walls like a million voices in soaring refrain. Silver-haired veterans in suit jackets decked with medals walked the city streets and parks. People of all ages, even young children, swarmed the old soldiers with flowers, smiling, 'Thanks for the Victory.' "

He continues, "In Gorky Park, I paused near a set of picnic tables where veterans ... gathered with their families to celebrate and reminisce. ... The group swept me into their midst, showering me with food, hugs and kisses like a long-lost child coming home. Some invited me to stay in their homes.

"After growing up in a Cold War world fearful of the Soviets, I was amazed to now be embraced with so much warmth by the 'dreaded enemy.' It made me want to pass a new international law requiring that before you can bomb someone, you must first have a meal with that person and his or her family."

Maybe there is a lesson to be learned there in Gorky Park.

Carolyn B. Nelson

Salt Lake City