RE-ENACT
PAINTERS
TOURS
THE SOCIETY RUSSIAN VETERANS OF THE WORLD WAR 1
At the end of 1922 the parts of Russian Army on Far East were compelled to leave native Land and to leave for China. With troops have left also Russian people not desiring to remain under Authority of Bolsheviks.
By autumn of 1923 the part of former military grades and refugees has arrived in California. It was necessary to adapt to new life that at ignorance of language and not having the necessary qualification was difficult to do.
Military persons, got used for many years to military family, soon have understood necessity of association, and former discipline has helped to carry out this desire.
How the Society has arisen?
The officers, who have stayed in China, began to request for the help. One letter received from groups of the artillery officers from Harbin by colonel Hertzo-Vinogradsky, has given push to Society. On the 8-th of February, 1924 some artillery officers on private apartment, discussed a question on the help Harbin officers and here question on group creation was lifted. At the following meetings the organizational questions were decided already and first step of created group was a tax on subscription sheets and sending money to the colleagues. Soon officers of other sorts of the weapon have joined artillery group and were lifted.
Question on creation of association all serving in Russian Army.
On the 16 of May 1924 the initiative group decides to organize a society of the Russian Veterans Great War in San Francisco and on the 26-th of May at the first organizational assembly. Considered this day - as establishing day of the Society.
Let's recollect those who was included into initiative group:
Gertzo-Vinogradsky - Chairman of group and members: Shipounoff, N. Protopopoff, D. Protopopoff, Plushkevich, Troitsky, Vladykin, Khriapin and Makharadze.
All of them were Honorable Members the Founders of the society.
Let us transfer to those years and imagine that conditions, in which the initiators of formation of a Society were l recollect those purposes, which then were put.
From the protocol of the First Assembly of the Society:
1. Society of all military men, participants of Great War ready on first I call of
The Supreme Commander in chief of Great Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich to give back itself for rescue of native land at disposal of His Imperial Highness.
2. To organize money collecting in Fund of Rescue of a native Land in treasury of Great Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich.
Those days nobody left ideas to continue to serve to a native land.
The time quickly has made addition to the purposes of a society, it was necessity to make the money collecting for the officers who have stayed in Harbin, other purposes were to struggle against slander and also to protect of honor of Russia, to disclose of the true face of communism to warn the USA about dangers.
The foundation of the Society was made by officers, but soon introduction in the society was offered to all former grades of Russian Army and Fleet on the equal bases. However old ethics of the officers and the traditions have remained in life of a Society. The Court of Honor was authorized. The access to the Society was closed to the persons, involved in communism.
At the first organizational Assembly the Chairman of artillery group the colonel Hertzo-Vinogradsky has reported, that according to common desire, he asked the General Budberg to head the Society, on what he has received the consent. The colonel Hertzo-Vinogradsky knew Baron Budberg on a joint service in 3 Guards Artillery Brigades.
General ? lieutenant Budberg during Great War was the chief of a staff of army and commander of the case. In Government of the Admiral Kolchak he was the manager of military Ministry. Before Great War he worked on Far East on creation of the Vladivostok fortress. Authority and brilliant reputation of the Chairman have helped the Society to rise on firm ground.
How proceeded the first existence of the Society?
If the artillery group could be going on private apartments, for the Society for the growth
It was necessary to have constant premises.
Provost of the Troitsky Cathedral Vladimir Sakovich has given free small room in a cellar of a Church House also has permitted to meet at Church School. It was first Shelter, small library of the Society was placed there. The office the secretary carried in pockets, also at himself the first treasurer N.Protopopoff kept cash department of the Society. There was also "Bulletin" of the Society. The editor Tikhonravoff conducted in his apartment all the work. With the help Mrs. Pirogova the Society has had an opportunity to be going for the reports and assemblies in a room at the International Institute.
Those days the dream of purchase of the house has appeared. Unfortunately, at a monthly payment in 25 cents in cash department of the Society it was far to purchase of a house. Nevertheless ideas to have the constant corner has pushed two artilleries on a risky step. In February 1927 they have rented the apartment and on the own account they have bought a part of furniture, then they informed the Chairman of the Society about that.
This apartment was in the house 1818 on Sutter St.. The apartment has appeared uncomfortable and in autumn of 1927 it was possible to rent a small house on Bush St.
It was necessary to create the working structure. After a choice of the Chairman, the Government was elected, which have charged to make the Charter. By the 12 September, 1924 the Charter was authorized by general assembly. As the sample of the Charter they took the Charter made by a Staff of the general Wrangel for military organizations of the members of Russian All-military Union, which structure included the Society.
The chairman of the Society baron Budberg was nominated as the Chief of a Department of Union on Western Coast of USA. The charter after some additions has remained till this day.
The rule about Court of Honor was authorized and the cash Department of mutual Aid was founded.
Special courses of general Golovin began to work.
The beginning of library of Society was put by the Chairman, having presented about three hundred volumes, among which there were valuable military works. There were also other donations. Was found also, the librarian Smolianinoff was devoted to business. By the end of 1928 the library totaled 1000 volumes. Still by general meeting in 1925 it was stated not to sell the library, and in case of liquidation of the Society to give it to any Russian National Organization. To library was given name: " Library of a name the general - lieutenant Boudberg " - gratitude of the Society to the founder of library.
Some words about "Bulletin" of the Society. It was difficult to begin the edition without money. First issue in 14 pages copied on mimeograph appeared in May 1925. The purpose the editions were: information about life in Russia, exposure communism lie, life of Russian emigration in different countries, world situation and clauses of military character. The magazine grows, clauses have appeared and memoirs about actions of Russian Army in Great War and about struggle with Bolsheviks in civil war. A lot of material for magazine was given by baron Budberg, printing memoirs about his service on Far East and in Great War.
For the third year of existence the magazine was sent to 30 organizations, members of a Society and 77 subscribers. The edition of a magazine was flattery marked by Great Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich and general Wrangel.
Mentioning earlier about the reports it was necessary to note, that with expansion by that of the reports, Number of the students has increased also; the persons who are not belonging to the Society have appeared on the reports. In those years the reports in Society were the only ones in Russian colony. Here again large share of success belonged to the Chairman of the Society baron Budberg, perfect lecturer.
With transition to an apartment the facilities, and with it economic committee has appeared. First Structure of committee was only 4 persons. The owner of Assembly was Troitsky. Work of committee "cups of tea ", then three times per one week. Search of means for furniture of Assembly, for library, different money collecting. Since 1930 there was a new large apartment on California St. page, where economic the committee totaled already 10 persons. There was a revival of all parties of life of the Society. Let's note participation of the Society on the invalid taxes. Thousand of former warriors appealed for the help.
The initiative group from the Society offered to arrange special invalid ball. This idea was supported by all Russian colony and the 27-th of March, 1926 - the day first Invalid Ball has come in a history Russian colony of San Francisco.
The Ladies' Committee of society was created. First leaders were: Mrs. Molchanoff and Solovieff. Cristmas celebrations for children were arranged. The fund raising in the Special Treasury has amplified.
The idea of the Incorporated Committee of Russian National Organizations belongs to the Society. In October 1925 the Chairman of the Society has invited the representatives all Russian National Organizations for creation of a Body able to represent all Russian. The incorporated Committee was formed. During the first years of life of the Society the fund for the help disabled was made.
Some words about numerical structure of the society. In January 1925 there were 44 persons the society. The number it quickly has reached up to 60, however structure of the Society frequently varied. Ones came, left, not having understood the purposes of the Society. To 1 of January 1952 t here were 118 members. With increase of number of the members of a Society after Second World War all branches of life and work of the Society have quickened. The searches of supply have begun for the colleagues in Europe and in China. The improvements in the House of the Society were made. At the library the binding workshop was equipped. The reports about situation in Soviet Russia and about events during the war more. often occurred
To 1 of January 1974 in the Society consists of 63 valid members and 21 constant visitors.
Many members of the society should be carried out on the Serbian cemetery?
The badge of the Society was established: the image of the Patron of the society Saint George with words taken from last order of Tsar. The project of a badge belongs to baron Budberg.
The Society was engaged in Russian national interests, poorly reacting on local American life. The decade of death Tsar was marked by the report. On kidnapping of general Kutepoff the Society has responded by fund raising on business of his last years. Hardly The losses of Great Duke Nikolay Nikolaevich and general Wrangel were experienced.
The Society remained unnoticed by the former allies. Occasionally there came the invitations.
On the next holidays of the officers of a reserve and American legion officers, but Russian Flag occurred on annual memorial on all soldiers of the allied armies which have lost in Great War.
In 30 years there was strong economic decline in the USA. There were lots of the unemployeds. Heavy time for not got stronger financially Russians and including many members of the Society. The help was necessary
The Society proved its force. In May 1930 the dinner was arranged. The money lottery was organized. The working members of the society made monthly deductions for the benefit of the unemployed. The top floor of a house was adapted for a free-of-charge hostel, and most important there was organized a free-of-charge restaurant. The cook was
The officer the academician of artillery Konevega, he also was the secretary of a Society and worked for the edition "Bulletin". The work on kitchen was carried by the unemployed. For one year the restaurant has released six and a half thousand dinners, from them the fourth part was free-of-charge. The life during unemployment again has caused desire and necessity to have the own house, where the invalids and lonely members of the Society could find a shelter.
For right of legal purchase of a house it was necessary to join officially in life of the USA, getting the rights of the legal person by incorporating in the state California.
The soon regular charter-party was received also by autumn of 1934 it was possible to find the house 2041 on Lyon St, where the Society is nowadays. The house was bought for seven and a half of thousand. In cash 1500 Dollars, the rest was paid on favorable terms. Old, but strong house required alteration and in short term all necessary was made. In basement floor was the restaurant, in the first floor library was placed, the hall and drawing room was decorated. On top floor was the office, edition of "Bulletin" and hostel for the unemployed was placed.
Annual holiday of the organization the 9-th of December 1934 the Society celebrated in the house.
The hung weight of the large debt for the house was amicably and is soon liquidated by replacement an external debt by an internal. 39 members of the Society have responded to an appeal to help by the loans.
It was collected about 4000 and by the end of 1937, in three years after purchase of a house, the external duty was extinguished. By the end of 1943 the internal debts was liquidated also. In 1938 was the extension to the house was made, where the billiard room was placed.
Earlier it was mentioned the reports arranged by the Society. General Golovin, working two summer seasons at Hoover library, read a number of the serious reports. In April, 1935 Baron Budberg has read 100-th report. The reports attracted many students and subjects of the reports extended. The special attention was given to the recent past two wars, events in Russia.
The Red Army was studied, the red propagation was exposed.
Instead of moved in New York Smolianinoff the library has been accepted by Stankeeff. To 1939 library totaled already more than 3000 volumes and was transferred on 2 floor in the best room.
The personal structure these years did not vary practically, but the death began to take root into lines of the members. One of first the secretary Konevega was lost in car accident.
In 1935 an attempt of attraction Youth to the Society on the rights of the members was made.
12 young people in the age of 19-25 years were accepted. It was in the majority children of the militaries. At first their number has reached 17, circle of youth was about 2 years and then
has broken up.
The end 30 years has brought to life of the Society a number of serious tests. On 9-th of February, 1939 there was an order N5 of the chief ROVS-and offering a unification all national Foreign Organizations under Leadership of the Head of a Dynasty. Till now ROVS, originated from White Movement rejected the preliminary decision of the form of the future regime of Russia. The order N5 brought political basis in to life of the Society. Baron Budberg, being monarchist, nevertheless could not agree with the order also has submitted the official report about addition from itself of a post of the Chief of the Western-American Department
The rough assembly of the 5-th of March, 1939 threatened by disintegration of the Society was terminated by that the Society has left structure ROVS and, having lost two members of the founders. Personally each member of the Society could be the member of ROVS. The Society has kept an obligatory payment on pension of the widows of lost leaders and tax in Fund of Rescue of a native land.
In some months the Second World War began ? a Beginning of military actions tragically reflected on that part of Russian emigration, which lived at the struggling countries. It was necessary to assist children, old figures of White Movement, not stopping the help to foreign invalids.
The Second World War 1941-1945??. has made USSR the ally (as has appeared temporarily new country of the members of the society , that morally has put many Russian, hardly experiencing occurring events, in a dual situation: on the one hand, desire of a victory of Germany in their struggle with communist USSR, on another - desire of a defeat of Germany as historical enemy of our Native land.
The Society experienced these events rather quietly, remaining the loyal to new country and irreconcilably hostile to the governors of the USSR. The activity of the Society during war was significantly reduced. Because of lack of a paper and cost of the edition "Bulletin? was temporarily closed.
In May 1944 the Society modestly celebrated 20anniversary. At this day the museum of the Society was opened. The founder of it was Dolgovo-Sabouroff. The museum has occupied two small rooms.
The ending of war in Europe in the spring of 1945 has brought of Russian emigration - old and new incalculable disasters. Together with capture by Nazists of Russian territory millions of the soldiers of red army were taken in captivity.
Millions of them died from hunger. Those stayed were threatened to be sent to Soviet Russia. From seized areas during war hundred thousand Russian people were taken violently out in Germany on works. With progress of Red Army to the West, with receding Nazis thousands of Russians have moved from the places, leaving from authority of Bolsheviks. They, and also old emigrants from the Slavic countries which have thrown their places, were threatened to be sent to Soviet Russia. In camps of Germany and Northern Italy the people not wishing to come back to the country of violence to die, preferred to commit suicide to avoid terrible sufferings. The unfortunate people should render the urgent help. In New York the Union of Protection and help Russians abroad was created. Its branches have begun to work in all places of a congestion of Russian in America. The Society has entered the Union at once, having brought a large payment and collecting the signatures to protest against violent distribution. Except for money they also collected clothes.
On December 15 after short illness the Society chairman baron Budberg unexpectedly died.
For more than 20 years, doing the best for the benefit of the Society, baron Budberg had left strong organization and brilliant example of the disinterested worker. The death was heavy reflected in all members of the Society, as they lost the friend always ready to help to everyone.
Russian colony also felt the large loss. Dolgovo-Saburoff, In accordance with the Charter, has accepted the post of the Chairman. The general meeting in February 1946 elected the Society Chairman General Staff the general ? major Puchkov .
The correct practice accepted by the Society during war was completely justified. The information from the USSR has cleared the unhealthy atmosphere, created during war, very quickly. The Society continued money collecting to help Russians and during 1946 2300 dollars was collected.
By parameter of trust to Society was the will of O.V. Vishtakoff, left to the Society 4200 US dollars. The Society, having taken up functions of charitable organization, has found the enthusiasts of this business. Clothes?s collecting and sending them was undertaken by the Vice-chairman of Society Belsky. Having worked for 5 years on sending parcels in Europe, Belsky has transferred work to Stefanovsky, who in 1955 has transferred it in turn to Poliansky.
Belsky did not celebrate the 50 th anniversary of Society as he suddenly died to deep affliction of the Society members of the 26-th of June, 1974.
The Ladies' Committee which has received the inheritance of Vishtakoff worked collecting money and clothes and besides has collected about 2000 dollars on food parcels. 400 US dollars. was collected for invalids.
From 1946 the Society annually paid 300 dollars for the study and board of a boy and a girl in Parisian Schools.
In December, 1946 there was issued the "Bulletin" devoted to life and activity of baron Budberg, but the magazine was not issued regularly yet. At this time the society librarian Stankeeff died. In memory by his extremely charitable activity, the Society gave to all charitable taxes the name:
" Of Charitable Fund named after Stankeeff ". The war was over. The Society began to grow with increase of number of the members all branches of life and work of Society quickened. It was necessary to supply by colleagues in Europe and in China.
In 1947 the secondary attempt of attraction of youth was made. Youth ?male and female -children of the members of the Society, have received the right to meet in the Society house . Youth took part in collecting money for invalids, in a charitable concert arrangement.
In 1950 the Society, after 11 years of a break entered the ROVS, connection with which was practically not interrupted.
The organization "Russian Falcon" formed in San Francisco " has received the offer to be present twice a week in the Society house. The edition of "Bulletin", interrupted during the war, was renewed. In 1951 there was 184 issue. For help in editing a magazine the society chairman the general Puchkov involved General Staff colonel Sergeyevsky, who arrived from Europe.
On the 11 of June 1952 the colonel Dolgovo-Saburoff, old Society member, the founder and manager by a Museum died.
The museum was accepted by Tomich, occupied for new exhibits a part billiard room.
On the 2 of February 1953 the Chairman general Puchkov, who worked for the Society for 7 years, died.
General ? major Petroff was unanimously elected as the Chairman of Society on 15 of March, 1953. Belsky was elected as a vice-chairman.
Colonel Dolgovo-Saburoff and general Puchkov left about 15000 dollars for the Society, which considerably improved the Society finance. After different the offers how to use the money, the stock, paying the constant dividend were bought, with the help of the member of Government Astrakhantseff and the treasurer Podgorny.
That purchase of the shares has benefited to the Society, helping to keep the budget.
In 1954 the site of ground on the Serbian cemetery for 20 places was bought. Later the sites on 14 and on 40 places were bought. The years passed and on a mourning board for 25 years of Society existence 18 names were written down. For the following 10 years 17 names?
In 1957 the Fund for maintenance in an appropriate kind of tombs of the died members of a Society was founded.
Each year on the Serbian cemetery requiem is made on the dyed members of the Society.
The society many times met in the walls a Wonder-working Image of the God Mother Kursk.
The serious and long illness of the wife, Olga, has forced the society Chairman Petroff after 9 of years of work to leave the post.
On the 11 of March 1962 general meeting elected general ? lieutenant Witkovsky as the society Chairman
The Society celebrated the 150anniversary of a Fort Ross in California and 150 anniversary of the Borodino battle.
Capital repair of a house on demand of urban council was made, furniture was updated the fund was raising, for the help to the Russian military invalids under a management of the chairman of a local department of Invalid Committee general Vygran, awarded a rank of the Honourable Society Member .
Arisen in this period of time church disagreements have shaken Russian colony and Society in San Francisco rather serious. Serious disagreements between the Members of Society threatened with possible infringement of the established peace order of life Society, however skilful and wise decision offered to Government by Popoff, in that time Vice - Chairman, calmed passions and after leaving of the most aggressive members Society again began to live a peace life.
On the 24 of July 1967, after long illness the former Society Chairman general Petroff died.
Health and difficulty to support the communication with the Society forced general Witkovsky to leave a post the Society chairman. The general meeting on the 5-th of March 1964 elected by colonel Popoff as the Society Chairman.
That year commission was nominated on reconsideration of the Society charter which changed was offered by a commission and in 1966 with some lateness was authorized by general Meeting.
Following the initiative of the Society Chairman Popoff on the 5-th of November, 1967 mourning Assembly devoted to 50 since Bolsheviks revolution in Russia was held the participants and the chiefs of assembly were all military organizations in San Francisco. After public prayer extensive and perfectly executed program of the reports and musical performances appropriate to the moment was offered.
The Society sold shares, bringing the rather modest income and bought on the obtained money of the obligation " Pacific ph. and ph.", having increased the incomes twice.
The 13 of November, 1968 the Society receives a honorable medal from Archbishop Western American and San Francisco Ioann, in commemoration of memory of anniversary celebrations of century first Orthodox in San Francisco. On the 14 of December 1969, at the day of the annual holiday, the Society celebrated 45 years of its existence very solemnly. Before the beginning of the prayer the general Meeting Society Chairman colonel Popoff, treasurer of the Society Gelter , members of the Society Lukoff and Sokolovsky were awarded with a rank of the Honorable Member of the Society for long work for the benefit of the Society. The same year the general Meeting charged Lukoff to begin the edition special "Bulletin" devoted to Life and a Reign of Emperor Nicolas the Second.
On the 8-th of May, 1970, after short, but heavy illness Society chairman the colonel Popoff died. According to the Society charter in a post of the Chairman had entered lieutenant Ouskoff and on post Vice - Chairman Gelter, authorized in by general Meeting on the 14 of March 1971.
Some Society Members with years grew old and could not show so much energy and interest to Society and its work any more, as it was observed in first 25 years period if its existence. The illnesses removed many from the active workers. Someone left for" The best world " also were buried on our site on the Serbian cemetery. For these reasons, so and, especially, owing to danger to occur in streets of San Francisco at evening time, Society activity reduced .Our weekly " the cups of tea " became ever less attended, even and then, when the Government transferred them on a day time of Saturday or Sundays. However, despite of difficulties the Society activity proceeded regularly.
The General annual Assemblies of the valid members, as well as session of Government were arranged.
Icon God-Mother Kursk always visited our Society, when arrived in San Francisco.
Government and Ladies' Committee of Society took part in money collecting for invalids regularly, for that purpose the sheet in our drawing room was hung out, the sheets for the tax of the donations were distributed to the ladies of the Society, the special cups of tea, dinners, concerts, films were arranged
All profit went on a common sheet of the Society and was transferred to Invalid Committee in San Francisco.
Each Christmas and each Easter the donations on subscription sheets were collected, the society sent the help during the holidays in Europe and Southern America to needy former Russian militaries and widows of the militaries.
Annually Society endowed on a subscription sheet " to the Russian Child ". In a premise of our restaurant mutual Easter congratulations, meeting of New Year, when were arranged sufficient number wishing met. The member dinners, on which members could invite the friends, were arranged. Annually, each September 11 requiem was served in bell tower on the Serbian cemetery. A leaving of the members to the best world was accompanied by church services and military honor for late and alive members. On 9-th day the requiem was served, after which " mourning the cup of tea " was arranged also a brief slip passage of life of the dead was informed.
The society was a member of" Incorporated council of the American Veterans in San Francisco " and Russian All-military Union, always supported connection with all Russian
Military Emigretion organizations in San Francisco and with veterans in Los Angeles, in Australia and in Europe.
In 1971 of March 14 General meeting has decided again to reconsider Charter and has nominated for Reconsideration those commission consisting of Ouskoff, Gelter, Kononoff and Smirnoff. In the same year by the decision of assembly of all valid members of a the society Rank of the Honorable Visitor was given to Kellog, which has brought exclusive benefit to the society.
On 23 of October, 1971 after heavy and long illness the Honorable Member the society, irreplaceable employee of "Bulletin" and composer of capital work " Life And Reign of the Emperor Nikolay II " Lukoff died. Soon after on the 25 of April 1972 editor and employee of our magazine "Bulletin" the Honorable constant Visitor Assemblies Efimoff has left in best the world. After death of these two workers - enthusiasts? edition of "Bulletin" was temporally stopped.
The general meeting of the 12 of March 1972 for extremely useful activity for the Society the lieutenant Ouskoff was awarded rank of the Society Honorable Member. The same Assembly has accepted and ratified changes of our Charter offered by the special commission, nominated for it.
According to a new rule the reception in the Society of the valid members and was renewed the translation in those of the Constant Visitors of Assembly.
In 1979 it was offered to the members San Francisco Cadet Association to enter to Society. Today cadets take active part in work Society keeping.
The reorganization Gorbachev, fall of communist authority in Russia has brought to life of a Society basic changes. Now all attention of the members of the Society was attracted to events in Russia.
In 1991, on irony of destiny simultaneously with August putsch in Russia, Congress of the Compatriots, where there has arrived the large delegation from California was held. A failure of putsch, USSR crash, historical white & - blue- red flag of Russia in eyes of emigrants. These events were expected for tens years, and they gave new forces to the members of the Society, inspired on trips to Russia with the purpose to contribute the historical truth about White and Liberation Movement to new generation of the Russian youth and also rendering of the help in revival of Russian Army in new Russia.
In Russia to this moment the certain groups of the people interested were already generated by military history and wishing to adjust communication with Russian military emigration. One of first, who risked to communicate with Society of the veterans and cadet association in San Francisco was the colonel Issakov from Moscow Souvoroff-Nakhomoff Commonwealth and Shakhoff from a Study of a History of Civil war in Russia Society. In 1992 in Moscow region Military-historical clubs organized celebrating of the Borodino fight as reconstruction of battle. On this holiday due to the veterans Souvoroff-Nakhomoff Members of society of the Veterans have got, which on returning in San Francisco have told about what the y saw in detail the correspondence was fastened, as a result of which the Russian historians received new, materials about events of the period of the 1 World and Civil wars.
Trips Granotow, Protopopoff in Russia, distribution of a magazine "Nashi Vesti" (Our Messages) helped better promotion and strengthening of connection between Russian youth and veterans from San Francisco.
Reading and the study of the received materials has inspired already new, Russian generation of youth on the further study and publication of the truth about Russian military history. Special invaluable help in this business editor of "Bulletin"Leontieff played one of the oldest members of Society. After ending of Civil war the Group engaged in study and preservation of the items of information on a military history was generated headed by Filimonoff. After Filimonoff death this group was headed by Efimoff, he continued work on preparing information and publications of memoirs in "Bulletin". Up to his leaving to the best world, the colonel Efimoff finished unique historical works, book"Ijevtsy-Votkintsy", but also handed over materials to Leontieff, who now heads the group on study and preservation of materials on Russian Army. Despite of the age, Leontieff has transferred the Russian historians the unique items of information, magazines, manuscript, documents on a history of civil war in Russia having huge historical value.
In 1994 in "Bulletin" began to published works of the Russian historians, friends of Society Veterans from Moscow. In 1998 the materials handed by Leontieff were issued among which it is necessary especially to note the manuscript Filimonoff " White Army of the Admiral Kolchak", having huge value for studying civil war in Siberia and on the Far East.
Simultaneously the same group of the military historians of Russia offered to Society Veterans the joint edition of "Bulletin".
The joint edition of "Bulletin", as Cadet Association in France (" Military Byl") and Union of Grades of the Russian Case ("Nashi Vesty "). made it Zabelin trip to Russia, the manager by a museum of a society of the Veterans, stories about the Society, sending interesting historical materials, before unknown in Russia, promoted to connection of efforts of the Russian historians and veterans of Russian Army. Due to the help of the Chairman of the society the veterans and Cadets Kozlov the trip to San Francisco of Blinoff, groups of the Moscow military historians representative was held the unique historical materials were assembled, written down memoirs of many participants of civil and Second World wars. The society members of the Veterans not only have approved idea of joint continuation of the edition of "Bulletin", but also rendered all assistance. Age and illnesses of the editor of "Bulletin" Leontieff did not allow personally to be engaged in a magazine, but last Kolchak officer continued to participate in preparation of issues, giving unique information . His memoirs were taped, hundreds snapshots of "Belopovstantsy". were recognized.
The huge help for "Bulletin" and its electronic version in a network "Internet" was rendered by Zabelin, giving the information on a museum and personally helping during photoshooting a Museum.
In 1999 members of the society of the Veterans, and also their relatives were handed in Russia, in society " Museum and Archive of White Movement " unique museum exhibits for study by the Russian historians, and also for realization of joint exhibitions in Russia. Many of them are very rare and was considered, that they could not be kept.
The subjects, which required urgent processing and restoration were also handed (unfortunately time and natural factors do not spare the subjects which have especially used in battles). Interesting exhibitions on a history of Russian Army and Fleet in a Museum of the Moscow Military District, Lefortovo branch of a Museum of a History of Moscow, Izmailovo the center and other places were carried out. Except for shown exhibits, on exhibitions photomaterial were given s and it was told about society of the Veterans in San Francisco. Under the responses of the visitors, they did not simply liked the exhibitions, it was recognized, that before similar exhibitions in Russia were not held, for what they asked to transfer gratitude to the members of Society of the Veterans and everybody, assisting in realization of these exhibitions.
First of all it is necessary to thank the Chairman of Society of the Veterans Kozlov, the manager by a Museum Zabelin, Leontieff, Brauns, Zavadskaya, Efimoff, Molchanoff, Sidamonidze, Obukhoff, Ivanitskaya and many others. Thus, the society of the Veterans not only has kept all historical items of information on Russian military history, but also actively promoted carry of work to Russia.
Simultaneously with the help to the military historians in Moscow, cadets, and members of the society of the Veterans were engaged in work on revival cadets in Russia. The army begins with preparation of the officers, therefore cadets always were school of formation of the future officers.
The financial help. Mutual trips and transfer of traditions of Russian Army. The literature. The books and magazines, among which especially mentioned "Bulletin" issued by Sinkevich.
Moral support for young cadets and their tutors. joint Congress in Russia of the Cadet veterans - Association and young cadets from Russia played an important role.
Starosta " of Russian Falcon " in Los Angeles Sergeyevsky (son of the member of the Society Veterans) and Starosta " Russian Falcon " in San Francisco Society Zabelin carried out the work on revival of a military -sports society. " Russian Falcon " in Russia. For ten years were materials on "Russian Falcon", the form were sent, is Banner as a Symbol of transfer of traditions was handed a and financial help was rendered.
For the outstanding contribution to "Russian Falcon" in Russia Sergeyevsky and Zabelin were awarded with medals " For revival Sokolstvo in Russia ".
Between Society of the Veterans and Russian Consulate in San Francisco are established friendly connection, the invitation to all solemn celebrations, are made. The Russian vice-consul Stepanov in was connected with military -historical and patriotic associations, therefore with the large pleasure he visits all official activity of the Society of the Veterans, devoted to Holidays of Russian Army and Fleet. Especially it would be desirable to thank Russian Consulate in San Francisco for the help and any assistance in reception of the visas and registration the documents for trips of the veterans to Russia.
To be continued...
THE CONCLUSION
In the section the brief history of Society of the Veterans is given, which in due course is submitted only will be complemented by the large details. In this direction at the given moment joint work of the Russian historians and members of a Society of the Veterans is being carried out.
The historical information is made on the basis of the following materials:
1. Anniversary "Bulletin" of Society of the Veterans 1924-1974
2. Report of the Chairman of Society of the Veterans and Cadets Kozlov on Anniversary Assembly of Society in 1994?.
3. "Bulletin" Cadets of Society in San-Francisco.
4. Archives of Zabelin and Blinoff.