A Victory Day military parade took place today in Moscow's Red Square to commemorate 67 years since victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

      The parade involved the traditional pass-in-review by 14,000 personnel and over 100 pieces of military hardware, including Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, S-400 Triumph air defense systems, Pantsir S-1  air defense systems, Iskander-M missile launchers, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, and T-90 main battle tanks.

      The parade was reviewed by the Russia's Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, while the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, delivered his first major speech since returning to the Kremlin. In particular, he adressed special words of gratitude for 1,500 WWII veterans attended the parade, as well as all the veterans involved in the great victory over Nazi Germany.

      The tradition of celebrating the Victory Day with a military parade on Red Square started in June 24, 1945, more than a month after the defeat of Nazi Germany. Troops who had just returned from the front took part in the mass celebration. 

      Military parade is just the beginning of holiday events in Russian cities. Veterans traditionally in cities' parks, there are also many open-air concerts and festivals. It is a good tradition of Russian younger people to present veterans with flowers and thank them for the victory.

      The Victory Day is usually ended with big salutes, which take place in different corners of the city. The biggest and the most beautiful salute can be seen at the Moscow's Poklonnaya Gora at 10 p.m. Moscow time.

      An extract from the live TV-broadcast. Military Hardware on the Red Square

Source: RIA Novosti Image: kp.ua