Four former World War II veterans meet after 25 years, at the funeral of a fifth friend. Radio operator Dubinsky is now a bookkeeper; demolition man Kiryushin is a journalist; the former commander of a sappers' company, Kharlamov is a factory manager, and Prikhodko is a worker. The four spend a day together and realise that they haven't changed, despite the years that have passed, and their differing occupations; they still have the same zest for life and the same spirit that helped them win the war. They discover though, that the problems of the old and those of the new generation now differ considerably.

The film explores how the ideals and the hopes of 25 years have been fulfilled for the men and the USSR. Through their meeting, a variety of ideas, problems and approaches to their solution are brought into focus, giving an interesting insight into Soviet life today.