The orange and black ribbon is the symbol of Russia's victory in WWII.
"You can see the ribbon worn by everybody taking part in the event," Chairman of the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation and former Representative James W. Symington of Missouri, told the media during the opening ceremony of the Brotherhood in Arms exhibition in US Senate.
"These are the colors of the Order of St. George, an old decoration," Symington said pointing at the St. George ribbon's black and orange colors that are a symbol of military gallantry and glory.
On Monday, May 9, the St. George ribbon could be seen on Russian Ambassador to the United States Yury Ushakov, Librarian of Congress James Billingon, Paul Rodzyanko, vice-president of New York investment company Access Industries, Thomas Pickering, senior vice-president of Boeing, members of the US Congress, officials with the State Department, reporters and American WWII veterans who came to the opening ceremony of the military photograph exhibition dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the WWII victory. Photographs from the RIA Novosti and Associated Press archives are on display at the exhibition.
"I am especially shaken by the spirit of Russian people, evident in these photographs. These are very impressive pictures showing the people who do their utmost to win the war," emphasizes James W. Symington, the chairman of the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation, a co-sponsor of the Brotherhood in Arms exhibition that has started in the US Congress.
"I am proud that my country, the United States, participated in it, contributing to the victory," Symington said, adding that the photos of the Russian and American soldiers meeting one another are just staggering.
"I hope that we will preserve that spirit today - in the 21st century," the ex-Representative said.
The Brotherhood in Arms photo exhibition is being held under the aegis of the Senate majority leader, Senator Bill Frist (R-TN). It includes 80 wartime photographs showing the historic link-up of the Soviet and American soldiers on the Elbe River and the alliance of the two countries during WWII.
The St. George Ribbon campaign dedicated to the celebration of the 60th VE-Day has been conducted by RIA Novosti, Moscow's Public Relations Committee, the Student Community non-governmental organization and Echo of Moscow radio.
