The United States and Russia must involve younger generations in commemorations of the historic meeting between the US and Soviet troops at the Elbe River in Germany in April 1945 in order to remind people that the two countries were allies, US World War II veteran Frank Cohn told Sputnik on Monday.
"We should have drawn in representatives from the next generations into those ceremonies. Not doing that was a big mistake," Cohn said.
The 98-year-old veteran, who was among American troops who met Soviet soldiers at the Elbe River bank, expressed regret that now there are almost no veterans left who represent the bridge of friendship between the two countries and who can explain to young people that maintaining this cooperation is important.
"I was advised recently that the Russian veteran who was introduced to me and teamed up with me in 2015 and who participated in a movie with me commemorating the spirit of the Elbe has died. I was so sorry to hear this, but it is no longer a surprise - we are fading away," Cohn said.
However, Cohn expressed hope that politicians from both countries will find a common language and commemorate in 2025 the 80th anniversary of the meeting at the Elbe River. Cohn also said his advanced age does not give him much time to wait for this.
"I'll be 99 in August, and I can't be sure that I will still be here to participate. The politics of the day always govern," Cohn added.