For the last four or five days, the temperature has ricocheted; at times findings its way into the low thirties, but then plunging into the low teens. During today’s ceremony commemorating the first anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, the temperature dropped to 11 F, but my fingers told me the temperature must be much lower despite my protective gloves. I had trouble changing camera settings on the fly. While I could lock focus with my Leica Rangefinder, I often inadvertently changed the aperture setting to F22. Nevertheless, I persevered, as did about 75 Russian émigrés who gathered outside the Wrigley Building for what was a solemn ceremony.

Last year’s memorial service, held in the same location, on the same day that Navalny’s death was announced was better attended. It may have been today’s weather that kept people away.

For those Americans walking briskly along Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s Russian Community once again held up a mirror, in effect saying, “You are what we hoped to be, so why are you becoming what we were in Russia?” While riding the bus home after the ceremony, I perused the headlines in the New York Times: the Supreme Court to consider Trump’s power to dismiss independent government actors; more fallout from the the Justice Department resignations surrounding the dismissal of criminal charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams; Trump’s exclusion of Ukraine from the peace talks in Saudi Arabia; more arguably unlawful DOGE firings; the European reaction to Musk’s and Vance’s embrace of Germany’s far-right party; and Trump’s support for ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Given today’s headlines, the Russian émigrés should procure a much larger mirror.

Most of the speakers delivered their remarks in Russian, but one spoke in English, speaking of America’s wealth, modern cities, and freedoms—all remarkable to a native-born Russian. He fervently hoped that someday Russia could emulate the American experience. Not surprisingly, many émigrés don’t understand why American voters elected Trump to a second term. Why are Americans so willing to surrender the freedoms that Russian dissidents have died for?

Thankfully, the ceremony was short, lasting just over an hour. I was particularly impressed by the signage that the organizers displayed along the walkway. Passersby might not understand the speeches, but they could read some of Navalny’s most memorable quotes. I, however, was disappointed by the electric candles. Wax melting all over the pavement and people’s hands is much more evocative.

What was particularly notable was the number of speakers. While several spoke during the formal program, once everyone had joined together for the ‘team photo,’ anyone could grab the bullhorn to say what was on his or her mind. All but one of the impromptu speeches were in Russian, but without understanding a single word, I have no doubt that each speaker delivered heartfelt remarks about Navalny and his or her hope for a Putin-free Russia.

One interesting aspect of the commemoration is worthy of special note. The members of the Russian Community gather once a month to write letters to Russian political prisoners, thereby letting those held in captivity know they have not been forgotten.

When I stopped by one letter-writing session six weeks ago, I asked whether the authorities censor the letters. To avoid that possibility, the writers avoid any political references. Instead, the letters cover the mundane. Merely receiving a postcard from someone who acknowledges that you exist is more than enough.

Today, the organizers set up a table with an ample of supply of postcards, so those attending the memorial could write a short note. If you are interested in writing a letter, visit this website.

Overall, the sponsoring organization, Chicago-Russian America for Democracy (RADR) did an excellent job, keeping the commemoration short due to the cold weather, while still paying a worthy tribute to Alexei Navalny (and other political prisoners)

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]

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