May 9, 2015 saw Russia\u2019s annual Victory Day Parade in a momentous fashion. The Russian government spared no expense in pomp and circumstance. The parade celebrated the seventieth anniversary of the Allied victory on the Eastern Front against the Nazis. Several world leaders were in attendance, several key members that have attended in the past were not, and military might was on display, while millions of Russians celebrated their victory over an enemy that was quite determined to end their way of life.<\/p>\n
The significance of this parade cannot be understated, both in Moscow, and abroad. World War II, or the Great Patriotic War according to some Russians, is arguably the last time the world united against a common cause or threat: to defeat the Axis powers led by Hitler. Millions of people from many different countries sacrificed their lives. Unfortunately, Russia had, according to many experts, suffered the most in terms of casualties – nearing twenty-five million total deaths. Since this was the seventieth anniversary, there aren\u2019t many veterans left from that period.<\/p>\n
This parade has been downplayed in recent years but its significance shouldn\u2019t be. Virtually all Russians sacrificed during the war, like many in other countries too. Those that fought on the front line faced a determined and oft times, better armed, German army. Those that stayed behind, those not eligible or able to fight, found shortages of everything except grief. Russia was invaded by an army that destroyed many of its cities and committed horrible atrocities to its citizens – I dare say all countries are guilty of this to some degree. During this tragic period in history, Russia, along with many other countries, banded together in the name of eliminating a common enemy. This parade honors that accomplishment.<\/p>\n
For those fortunate enough to be in Red Square or at least see it on the television, the parade is awesome. The grace and order displayed by the Russian military is impressive, as is the hardware they show off. Here is a video of what transpired in Russian:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Mkz7WlR2ld8<\/p>\n
For those wishing to watch a clip with some English, click below:<\/p>\n