The festival began today in Moscow with the greatest Russian parade, which was held on the Red Square. The Victory Banner and the Russian state flag were carried there exactly at 10 o'clock. Then, parade formations of all military arms, more than 13,000 servicemen, marched across the square. The most spectacular part was naturally the military hardware show opened by the legendary T-34 Victory Tank. It was followed by the latest developments in the Russian defense industry that attracted close attention from the audience, just like every other year.
Our reporter Denis Davydov saw the entire parade from the first minute to the last.
People began arriving at Red Square a couple of hours before the parade. Infantrymen and missilemen, seamen and paratroopers, took their places. They were marching in lockstep and singing.
"We'll fly to the sky like a bird".
Each of the 13,000 participants must arrive. They're at the heart of the country, in front of those who defended it. The veterans rejoice, everything's perfect. But the commander gestured the soldiers to form an even straighter line.
"Parade!
The state flag of the Russian Federation and the Victory Banner are being carried!
Attention!"
The famous banner of the 150th Idritsa Order of Kutuzov Division from the roof of the Reichstag. The universal banner of the victory. The old and wounded heroes simultaneously stood up to sing the sacred song.
"Parade attention!"
The first car that has shown up on Red Square is the defense minister's convertible. It's the first time that he's riding not the legendary Soviet ZIL but in the new Russian Aurus. The gears are easier to switch, the car runs smoothly. The cars were specifically manufactured to take part in parades.
The adults are watching the parade while the children are gazing at the military elite. Veterans are accompanied by their great-great-grandchildren. The events that take place on Red Square every year are more than a generational bridge.
"That's in our people's genes, we're the victors. We emerged victorious from that terrible war".
The presidential speech echoes across Red Square. Vladimir Putin addressed all of Russia's citizens.
Vladimir Putin: "I wish you a happy Victory Day, the day of our pride and grief. Our country's history counts a number of heroic deeds, yet the victory over fascism stands out as retribution to the Nazis for all their crimes, for thinking of themselves as a superior race and starting the terrible war. This insolent force subjugated many states and impunity veiled the Nazis' eyes. They thought they would also be able to conquer the Soviet Union within several weeks. The thousand-year-old historic Russia. They failed. Yes, after the enemy's treacherous attack on our territory we suffered defeats, retreats, and heavy losses but it did not break Russia's spirit. We grieve for the veterans who are no longer with us. Let us hold a minute of silence".
The guests traditionally attend the parade carrying the photos of those who didn't live long enough to see the victory. This state holiday is very personal for every family.
"I remember my dad coming back from the war. We were so happy to see him. He came back at night, we all gathered around him. He even bought us presents. Those small cookies, I still remember them".
"I was in Moscow on the first Victory Day. There's no way I wouldn't come to this sacred place. All of my classmates and I went to Red Square."
Legendary military units were marching across Red Square. The Red Banner and the Guard units are the successors to the Russian military tradition. Sailors were marching with measured steps. The Russian Navy got a new commander shortly before Victory Day. The Nakhimov Cadets were marching beside the officers. Female formations were the pearl of the parade. The uniformed beauties could knock one down with a single glance. The audience was thrilled. The parade in the Russian capital has always been a popular attraction. Dozens of foreign journalists and military attache attended the event.
Vladimir Putin: "Today, we see how a number of countries deliberately distort the events of the war, glorifying those who served the Nazis, forgetting honor and human dignity, shamelessly lie to their children, and betray their ancestors. Our sacred duty is to protect the real heroes. Our nation is well aware of what war is. It brought grief and innumerable suffering to each family. We have not forgotten anything. We remember everything and hold sacred the valor of the soldiers of victory. They're the ones we honor with our military parades, the thunder of fireworks, and the Immortal Regiment march.
Glory to the victorious nation!
Happy holiday to you!
Happy Victory Day!
Hurray!"
"Hurray! Hurray!"
This hurray goes to all Red Army soldiers who fought the enemy. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first president of Kazakhstan, is one of the honor guests. Back home, he's called yelbasy, meaning "leader of the nation".
A papakha-wearing Avar is watching the show. This 98-year-old highlander defended Stalingrad.
Khalid Khalidov, veteran: "We had fire in front of us and behind our backs. We were stuck between the burning Volga and the Nazi armies. We still managed to defend the city, though".
They walk several steps per second. In order to form such straight lines, they began training back in February.
"The paratroopers are carrying the AK-12 rifle".
Vehicle formations entered the square following the infantry. The rumble of this tank driving on the paving stones is unmistakable. The legendary T-34 leads the vehicle formations. This combat tank was manufactured in 1944. It's followed by modern hardware units, some of which have no equivalents in the world.
"The T-14 Armata tank and the Terminator tank support vehicle".
Next up, world's best Msta-S artillery systems, divisions of the Iskander-M high-precision missile systems, and the Smerch multiple-launch rocket systems.
"So far, nobody in the world has managed to match the unique performance of these missile systems".
The scariest weapon brings up the rear. A part of the Russian nuclear triad, the Yars strategic mobile missile system. The majority of its performance data is classified.
Different formations were accompanied by different tunes. When the thousand-pipe orchestra was playing Victory Day the audience was singing along again.
"Victory Day!
Victory Day!"
"I enjoyed the entire show, literally the entire show. I'm so excited. I'm overjoyed by the level of preparation by our military parade".
The veteran didn't want to talk about her war experience and spoil the joy. She was visibly limping; she lost her leg in the war and her hand was injured by shrapnel.
- I was wounded three times but I'm still walking.
- How old are you? How old are you?
- I'm 95. I was born in 1924.
- Happy Victory Day!
- Thank you.
- How old are you?
- I'm 96.
- Will you drink today?
- You bet I will.
While the veterans walked home random people wished them a happy holiday, thanking them for the victory, and asking them to attend the next parade. This is their holiday, the holiday of the victorious heroes.
Denis Davydov VESTI, the Red Square.
