The Day of Victory, was on May 9th, 1945. The Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front, driving them all the way back to Berlin. On May 9th the Armistice was signed, sealing victory for the USSR.
Every year since, the USSR and now the Russian Federation have celebrated this victory. Victory Day is of immense importance to Russians, "the most important public holiday by far"; "a day when we feel like we are one nation"; "a day when everyone can express themselves."
This year I have chosen to observe and not to analyse. To understand will take more effort and some years yet. The crowds cheered as the parade came past.
When the parade reached us, it stopped. There were different marching groups, all in military uniform. Each group sang a song while marching on the spot. The groups took turns. Lyrics such as:
"The Day of Victory.... our beloved Russia..." and other patriotic songs. Some people on the streets joined in with some of the songs.
At the end of the parade there were some people marching who were not in full military uniform. There were some people who were former prisoners of war, wearing striped hats to signify this. There were even some political parties (minor parties).
Congratulations! From the United Russia Party. May 9th, Victory Day.
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