AFTERMATH TO THE HOLIDAY
Ukraine celebrated its tenth anniversary on a broad scope. More than 300 units of military equipment traversed Khreshchatyk, in particular, two tank companies, Hiatsynt, Smerch, and Hrad missiles. For the first time Tunhuska air defense weapon plant self-propelled and Buk anti-aircraft gun complexes were presented. C-300 PS AA-gun and missiles regiment also graced Kyiv’s main thoroughfare. The aviation machinery parade was also impressive, opened by five MI-5 helicopters and naval aviation crews on a K-27. Ukrainians could also see planes of Ukraine’s Air Force, in particular, the Il-26, which had conveyed peacekeepers to Kosovo, Su-25, Mig-29, Su-27 fighters, Su-24m and TU- 22M3 bombers, AN-74, AN-140, and AN-70 planes. And perhaps the world biggest Ruslan and Mriya planes left the deepest impression. This two giants flying close to each other breathed with confidence and power, so that it was impossible for onlookers to remain indifferent.
Thus, the Ukrainian taxpayer could be convinced that money he paid for Ukraine’s army and aviation were not wasted. However, the common taxpayer hardly could suggest how big is his capital, since he was shown not only the parade but also architectural novelties erected with quickness worth an entry in the Guinness Book of Records along with an outdoor fete. Regretfully, quality was drowned by quantity, which could not help but leave a bitter aftertaste.
Unfortunately, presidential speechwriters tried too hard. The text was obviously too long and as a result many important moments in it escaped the audience’s attention. It seemed that our national tradition of cramming in as much as possible played its role here, and no wonder that mass media ignored the speech in whole. It looked like the speech was written only to be pronounced, not heard.
The “as much as possible” principle was felt also in architecture. Passing behind the vault under the Independence Monument’s column became a breathtaking sideshow for both burgers and city visitors: “Will it fall down or not?” And though the new lady stays still (as well as her bigger sister with sword and shield [Motherland Monument] has for over twenty years), men in the street tend to estimate it from Pisa viewpoint. Children’s reaction at the novelties was the most positive. First, they loved the fountains, and second, they have already recognized the new sculpture as a woman and call it auntie. The same “as much as possible” tendency was characteristic of the holiday concert, where professionally executed items were followed by blatant kitsch.
The anniversary undoubtedly made the Ukrainians feel that the state had become stronger and more solid. The scales of the celebration should demonstrate that Ukraine has grown richer. In fact, our stagnating state could not afford such a holiday. But it is common knowledge that the sense of limitations is a component of wealth, and real wealth need not show off.
