Russian émigré Semion Melamud doesn’t know much English. But the three words that the decorated World War II veteran can recite with clarity — “God Bless America” — bring a smile to his weathered face.
“I am thankful for the United States and the opportunity to live here,” Melamud, 89, said through a translator. “It’s because of America that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can live, work and study here.”
Melamud was one of more than 200 guests — mostly elderly Russian émigrés — at a May 7 luncheon commemorating the 65th anniversary of Victory Day, which celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany by Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries of the former Soviet Union.
Red, white and blue balloons floated above participants as they dined on traditional Russian foods, sipped wine and chatted loudly inside the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park.
L’Chaim Adult Day Health Center, which provides medical, rehabilitative and social services in Russian and English to thousands of elderly and disabled clients, organized the free event for clients. Located in San Francisco’s Sunset District, L’Chaim is a program of the S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services.
“This generation sacrificed a lot,” said Gayle Zahler, associate executive director of JFCS. “Out of this group, one in five men fought or suffered from starvation and disease during the war.”
Melamud fought and sustained injuries in battles for Belorussia, earning more than 20 medals and decorations for his service. On May 7, both sides of his sport coat shined with the gold and silver medallions, his lapels covered with prestigious pins.
Many men and women in attendance boasted similar hardware on their jackets and dresses. “All of them, in some way or another, were involved in World War II,” said L’Chaim program director Anna Borovik.
When World War II broke out, men from countries of the former Soviet Union left their families to fight; women staffed hospitals, tending to injured soldiers.
“They were like a fist,” Borovik said. “It was the only situation in former Soviet Union history where all the countries were united. They were fighting for freedom. It was a war they had to win.”
After lunch was served, L’Chaim staff members presented veterans with awards for their wartime service. Dressed in costumes reminiscent of military uniforms from World War II, the staff also entertained the group with a skit and popular wartime songs.
The presentation included somber moments such as a girlfriend bidding a tearful goodbye to her boyfriend before he departs for war, songs about life during World War II and the soldiers who died in battle, and a symbolic Victory Day — at which point the performers handed red carnations to all of the women in the room. An accordion player added to the lively ambience.
Simultaneous clapping resounded, only to be quelled by a few speakers sharing their experiences of World War II.
“This is the holiday with the tears in the eyes,” Nelly Mer, 85, said in her native Russian to participants.
Mer was training to be a nurse when World War II broke out. Taking care of the wounded “was very difficult,” Mer said through a translator. “But nobody was afraid.”
The San Francisco resident, originally from Ukraine, attended L’Chaim’s Victory Day celebration for one reason: to show appreciation.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in the battles on the front lines,” Mer said. “And to the mothers, wives and sisters who were waiting for their men to return.”