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A Russian Soldiers farewell from his family, WW1
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A Russian Soldiers farewell from his family, WW1
The sign of the cross - a Russian soldiers farewell from his family during the First World War. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14415253
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this poignant photograph from the First World War, a Russian soldier bids farewell to his loved ones before heading off to the front lines. The year is 1914, and the gravity of the situation is palpable as the soldier and his family come together for one last embrace. The image captures the raw emotion of the moment, with the soldier's wife reaching out to touch his face, her eyes filled with tears. The soldier, in turn, places the sign of the cross on his chest, a traditional Russian gesture of faith and protection. Religion played a significant role in the lives of many Russians during this time, and the use of the sign of the cross as a farewell gesture is a testament to the deep-rooted faith and superstitions that permeated Russian culture. The image also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families during the First World War, a conflict that claimed the lives of millions and left lasting scars on the European landscape. The photograph, taken in January 17, 1914, is a poignant and moving reminder of the human cost of war. It is a reminder that behind every soldier on the battlefield was a family, a community, and a life that was forever changed by the events of that time. The sign of the cross, a simple yet powerful gesture, serves as a symbol of hope, faith, and love in the face of uncertainty and fear.
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