(21 Jan 2001) Russian/Nat
XFA
Several hundred supporters of Vladimir Lenin brought flowers to his tomb on Red Square on Sunday to mark the 77th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Soviet state.
Lenin's Tomb - for decades one of Moscow's main attractions - remains at the centre of public debate on whether Lenin's mummified body should be removed from display and buried.
When Lenin died in 1924, his followers decided to embalm the body and keep it as a source of inspiration and model for future generations of the Soviet people.
Communist die-hards lay wreaths at the tomb and visit the mausoleum twice a year - on Lenin's birthday on April 22 and the anniverary of his death on January 21.
Communist groups also hold meetings in other parts of the capital, including a rally near the former Lenin Museum, which now serves as an administrative office.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I owe everything to him. Others, including my children, are in debt too. Now I'm afraid to live. I probably won't live long, but I fear for my children."
SUPER CAPTION: Maria Stepanova, pensioner
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"He is respected by ordinary people all over the world. They continue to respect him, while in Russia, for some reason, his name is being compromised. Moreover, attacks against him are being encouraged."
SUPER CAPTION: Lev Matyushin, pensioner
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