Celebrating the Promise to NEVER FORGET
There are many things that I absolutely love about Russia and some things that Russians do better than anyone else in the world. One of those things is a Parade.
Nobody knows how to do a parade like Russia and Victory Day is the best of them all. I will be posting all week discussing the importance of Victory Day - May 09, 1945 to Russians. It is much more than the day the Great Patriotic War ended for them. It is so much more. Therefore, it would be a pity to relegate such an important day and celebration to only one post and I will be posting for the next few days pictures, videos, stories, and more.
The toll that the Nazi's put on the Soviet Union are astronomical. The numbers have been debated for years, but here are some of the most recognized figures.
Of the 7 million Jews killed in the Holocaust, over 21% were Soviet Jews
Nearly 9 million Soviet soldiers are confirmed as KIA with another 2.5 million MIA
18 million Soviet Soldiers were removed from duty as wounded or sick
Most estimates put the total Soviet death toll between 30 and 40 million (military & civilian)
March of the Immortals
No family in Russia is untouched by the war even today. For years, the men and women that served during the war would march on Victory Day parades throughout the Soviet Union. In recent years, the number of these veterans has diminished sharply. In order to carry on their memory and the memory of those that didn't survive the war, a tradition was created to march for them carrying photos. It is known as the Immortal Regiment. In St. Petersburg alone more than 1 million people marched this year.
Never Forget
