The Russian community knows Galina Lazareva as an award-winning poet and a singer.
After moving to Australia from Russia in 2014, Galina seemed to find a sweet spot for her new Australian life.
She attended every ANZAC Day parade as it gave her some sense of belonging and unity with her new country she now calls home.
“When I came here I was searching for common points with my new country and the ANZAC Day parade was the one. Both our nations fought in terrible wars and learnt how to commemorate those who sacrificed their life. That’s why I joined the parade every year until this year” - she said to SBS Russian.
Galina reconsidered her participation after seeing the letter sent by RSL NSW to the Russian Australian Representative Council (RARC).
The letter said that the Russian group that marched in the 2017 parade was in breach of the guidelines of the parade by carrying the portraits of deceased veterans and singing while marching.
Here is the abstract from the letter:
"The following items are in breach of the guidelines: The carrying of photos of deceased veterans and Singing whilst marching"
Reading this letter provoked mixed feelings.
First puzzled then outraged Galina couldn’t help but feeling her community was specifically targeted.
“I saw a lot of Australians still proudly marching carrying photos of their relatives” – says Lazareva about this year’s parade where she was just as a viewer.
After taking the issue to the social media Galina received messages of support not only from the members of the Russian community but Australians as well.
Immortal Regiment around the world
In Russia, the parade marking the Victory in the WWII is celebrated on the 9th of May.
With fewer veterans of that war remaining alive, in 2012 a group of journalists initiated a commemorative movement called 'Immortal Regiment'.
It was a strong and emotional gesture that connected generations of people who lost their relatives in or after the WWII.
Today more than 80 countries march in Immortal Regiment with hundred thousands of participants.
SBS Russian contacted RSL NSW and asked to explain that situation created around one of the most profound and unifying national days in Australia.
RSL NSW expressed no intention of taking the issue to the media but promised to liaise with the RARC president directly.*
The letter from RSL NSW was sent in June 2017 and received no feedback from RARC.
“I will do my best to get this decision revoked. Right now it alienates the whole community which is already finding its position difficult” – she said to SBS Russian.
*The article was updated after RSL NSW put a request to take down the details of the conversation it had with SBS Russian
