Victory Day 70: An Old and New Russia Shining

By Phil Butler on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 - 11:12

Spectators across Russia witnessed a stunning pageantry on May 9th, as a nation and its neighbors paid tribute homage to heroes of the Great Patriotic War against fascism. The controversy and upset over missing western dignitaries gave way to a lustrous event many say changed history in ways we are just beginning to understand.

The Russian spirit, that of the friendly nations that attended, and the contemporary vision of the oft marginalized nation, is nowhere more evident than in the images we see in the aftermath. Here is are emerging Russian people, unscathed by past or present bitter wars. 

Many thanks to the press office of President Putin for some amazing photography. 

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Before the parade, at the Armorial Hall of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin greeted the leaders of foreign states and major international organisations who have come to Moscow to take part in the celebrations. (Kremlin)

Russia celebrated the heroes of yesterday, and today, and a history and culture unmistakably Russian. The Military parade marked the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

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Many a distinguished guest and participant took part in the festivities on Red Square

Not many outsiders fully grasp the ethinic and cultural diversity of this great nation. Russians who fought the Nazis in World War Two came from every walk of life, and from the far east of Asia, and nearer to the front on the Baltic. A great many veterans of the war were attending at Mr. Putin's invitation. 

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Millions from the most widely diverse ethnic groups imaginable sacrificed to defeat the Nazis
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At the sight of so many medals, so many warriors and citizens, words soon become unnecessary
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Across the generations - Russians celebrate a great victory

One attendee told us; "I've never witnessed anything quite like Saturday's ceremonies, not in America, or here in Moscow either." 

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An American in Moscow: "The Russians are unsurpassed in creating majestic pageants."

And the pristine military bearing decked out along Red Square, just what any spectator would expect, only more. 

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Russia's elite take to the parade ground in front of the review stand
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The biggest Victory Day parade since the end of World War II left onlookers in awe

Pristine military bearing... first time attendees recalled the excitement in the air, the sheer intensity of a people attuned to celebrate their greatest achievment in resilience. 

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Russia's Defense Minister, General of the Army Sergey Shoygu - pass and review
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Victory Day 2015
A new era of friendship is evident, in the interactions of China's President Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin (Kremlin)
A new era of friendship is evident, in the interactions of China's President Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin (Kremlin)

Many foreign nations' militaries participated in the parade including crack troops of the People's Liberation Army of China, the National Army of Azerbaijan, India, those of Armenia, Serbia, and troops from Tajikistan. 

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Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army of China on Red Square May 9th
The National Army of Azerbaijan at the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.
The National Army of Azerbaijan at the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.
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Tajikistan servicemen at the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.
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President of the Council of State of Cuba Raul Castro, left, and President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj at the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.
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Astronaut Alexei Leonov was in attendance
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The stunning air show portion of the parade - (Kremlin)

Never permitting an anti-climactic moment, organizers of the 70th anniversary parade crowned the event in grand style. As for the day long festivities, the spectacle on Red Square was just the beginning. 

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Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot ground-attack planes (smoke generators) at the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.