18: Victory Day: Not Just History, But Memory

What does it mean to remember a war that took 27 million lives?

In this deeply personal episode of The Soviet Life, host Kate Saba takes you into the heart of Victory Day (May 9th)—a day that is not just about history, but about identity, memory, and the stories carried across generations.

Growing up with the legacy of World War II, Kate reflects on how this day shaped millions of lives across the former Soviet Union—and why, even decades later, it still brings people together in powerful and emotional ways.

From the devastating human cost of the war…

to the deeply symbolic traditions like laying red carnations…

to a moving modern-day celebration in Washington, D.C.—

This episode explores what happens when memory crosses borders, generations, and even political divides.

You’ll hear:

Why Victory Day is one of the most emotional holidays in the former USSRHow families continue to honor those who never came homeWhat it felt like to witness a Victory Day march in the U.S.—filled with music, unity, and reflectionAnd how, even in a complicated present, people still come together to remember a shared past

This is not just a story about war.

It’s a story about what we carry forward.

Key Moments in This Episode00:00 – A personal reflection: what Victory Day means today