Super Zoo

Chapter 498 Airborne Troopers Monument

On the outskirts of Pskov City, the stationing grounds of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of Russia.

The 76th Airborne Division was Russia's first elite force to professionalize its military, comprising three airborne regiments and one guard artillery regiment. Ivanov served in the 104th Airborne Regiment among them.

This celebrated unit bears a long history. During the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, the division participated in the Battle of Odessa and the Crimea campaign and received the honorary title of "Guard" during the Battle of Stalingrad. Throughout the war, more than fifty officers and soldiers from the division were honored with the Soviet Union's highest accolade - the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union".

Suming saw that steely President Vladimir in front of a row of barracks.

From television appearances, the President, who originated from an intelligence agency, seemed cold and energetic, but Suming realized upon seeing him up close that Mr. President was actually an old man now. Though his figure remained upright and his movements full of vigour, the white hair on his head and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes betrayed his age. Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire

Vladimir, born in '52, had turned over sixty this year, truly entering his senior years.

"Welcome home, hero of Russia!" President Vladimir did not start with pleasantries towards Suming, but strode up to Ivanov in front of a large group of journalists from different nations, giving his shoulder a firm pat.

Suming felt a slight stir in his heart. President Vladimir was not purposely neglecting him; with just that single action, he had won the loyalty of the military.

"Mr. President, it is my honor to serve my country!" Ivanov's face turned red, his chest puffed out, and with a snap, he gave a standard military salute.

"Welcoming a hero home is also the President's honor."

Vladimir nodded to him with a smile, then turned his azure gaze towards Suming. He stared at Suming for several seconds before laughing and saying, "And welcome to you, friend of Russia, oh, such a young friend, you make me envious."

Zhao Yun had the role of translator... Those old-school intellectuals like him learned Russian, not English, during their school days. But anyhow, Suming now saw Zhao Yun in a new light; not everything is omnipotent, but Zhao Yun is omnicompetent...

In recognition of their valiant spirit, 22 officers and soldiers were awarded the title of Russian Hero, and 69 soldiers and officers received the "Medal of Valor," of which 63 were awarded posthumously.

Ivanov's father was among those who perished in this battle, and Colonel Marka, who cried out "Fire at my position," was the former commander of Ivanov's unit.

In front of cameras of journalists from various countries, President Vladimir walked slowly to the monument with a bouquet in hand and bowed to offer flowers;

A military representative, Colonel Ivanov, with tears in his eyes, bowed and presented flowers;

Suming, with a solemn expression, bowed and offered flowers.

"This brave nation has never lacked for heroes, and history will remember all who have contributed to this country. On behalf of the Russian Military Council, I promote Lieutenant Ivanov to the rank of Colonel and award him the title of National Hero and the Medal of Valor."

Vladimir approached Ivanov to affix the new shoulder straps and medals, "Colonel Ivanov, congratulations to you, and thank you for all you have done for this country."

"It is my honor, long live Russia!" Ivanov responded, standing tall and proud.

President Vladimir returned to the microphone and said, "There is a friendship that is forged in blood, and the Russian people will forever remember this bond. On behalf of the Russian Government, I present Mr. Suming with the title of 'Friend of the Russian People'" he paused, waiting for the flashbulbs to settle down before continuing, "and on behalf of the 76th Airborne Division, I present Mr. Suming with the division's flag and military saber."

Having finished, he took a pale gold medal from the honor guard's hands and handed it to Suming with both hands. Because this was not an instance of a superior decorating a subordinate but rather a gesture between 'friends,' the exchange was one of ceremonial equals.

Colonel Ivanov, with two honor guards from the 76th Division, presented Suming with the divisional flag and combat sword.

Although it was an airborne division, the 76th retained the tradition of carrying combat swords, with Cossack swords of world-class make. The pure silver scabbard was plated with a line of vintage court-style Russian lettering.

To be given to the most trustworthy comrade of the 76th Division.