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Russia Holds Military Parade on Victory Day
Russia held a grand military parade Tuesday morning in Moscow's Red Square to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazism in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
Newly inaugurated Russian President Vladimir Putin and his predecessor Boris Yeltsin inspected the military parade, which was staged at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time (0700 GMT).
Addressing the troops participating in the military parade, Putin congratulated all Russian citizens, particularly servicemen and veteran soldiers, on the victory of the 55th anniversary of the war over Nazism during World War II.
"Years will pass, but the memory of the Great Patriotic War will continue to inspire all those living, and give a warning to those who have chosen terror and violence as their main weapon," Putin said.
He told the war veterans that "the habit of being winners is in our blood."
"It guarantees military victories and will help us in the peace time, assist our generation in building a strong and prosperous country, and raise high the Russian banner of democracy and freedom."
"Our people have gone through many wars. We therefore know the price of peace. We know that peace means -- above all, a strong economy and well-being of the people -- the basic components of Russia's internal and external strength, and of its defense capability and security. We shall pass this main military secret over to our children," the Russian president said.
Putin said the Victory Day is also being celebrated in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), calling World War II veterans from CIS countries as "brothers and sisters.".
"We all have the same memories of the battles which led to victory, and the joy of victory. Together we defended peace, foiled attempts to redraw history, saved our vast Soviet Motherland, preserved our country's independence and made the decisive contribution to the victory over fascism," he said. "Our army has always been and will forever remain an army of the people. Our soldiers are forging victories not only by their weapons, but also by their spirit which help overcome all trials, preserve conscience and honor, and pride for our past and future, and for the national dignity of the great power. That was, is and will be so," Putin stressed.
The event is also being attended by State Duma Chairman Gennady Seleznyov, chief of presidential staff Alexander Voloshin, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and other officials, including former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev.
Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev reviewed the parade, with chief of the Moscow military district Col. Gen. Puzanov as the parade commander. By tradition, the two military leaders congratulated the troops which stand in blocks in the Red Square.
About 6, 000 servicemen and veterans of the Great Patriotic War, including veterans from CIS countries and the Baltic republics, took part in the Victory Parade. Ahead of each marching column, the banners of the fronts, used during the Victory Parade in the Red Square in 1945, were carried.
The march of the veterans and servicemen, the president's speech and the playing of the national anthem lasted for about 60 minutes.
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