Kazan hosted the Victory Parade

(Kazan City KZN.RU, May 9, Zilya Gayfi). May 9 Kazan celebrates 71th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. In honor of the holiday in Freedom Square a solemn parade tool place, the audience of which were hundreds of veterans - the heroes of military and labor glory, as well as their relatives, the people of the city. The event was attended by President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of Tatarstan State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.

Parade began with a dramatized prologue, during which poems of Musa Jalil sounded, the artists presented dance and vocal numbers. At this time on the big podium archival photos and video depicting the events of the war years were broadcasted.

By tradition, at Freedom Square broadcast of the parade on the Red Square in Moscow, in which 10 thousand soldiers took part, was organized by direct inclusion. 100 units of military vehicles, 70 aircraft and helicopters were presented at the Moscow parade.

In the direct connection an appeal of Vladimir Putin, President of Russian Federation was made. The President congratulated the citizens of Russia with the Victory Day, noting that it unites the whole country. "May 9 is the state and very personal, family holiday. It became a symbol of the sacred relationship of Russia and its people. And this unity is in devotion to the Motherland – it is our strength, confidence and dignity. We are united by deep, piercing feelings toward our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers. Today we are sincerely grateful to those who are in the ranks of those around, and do not hide our pride and tears. We bow our heads before the blessed memory of the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandparents, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, comrades and friends - all who did not return from the war, all of whom are no longer with us", - the President said and announced a minute of silence.

After the anthem of Russia Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov addressed to the veterans, home front workers, parade participants and servicemen of the Kazan garrison and congratulated them on the Russian and Tatar languages. "I warmly congratulate you on the 71th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. For long 4 years our ancestors step by step were hastening the day. At the cost of enormous efforts the Soviet soldiers our land was from fascism and hoisted flag of victory over the Reichstag. Forever in our hearts the memory of those difficult and heroic days will live. Merciless war is gone, taking millions of lives. It left unhealed mark in our families. We bow our heads before the memory of those who defended the freedom of the Motherland at the cost of their life. Eternal glory to the heroes!", - the head of the republic said.

After the performance of the anthem of Tatarstan a solemn march at the Freedom Square began. Parade was led by the chief of the Kazan garrison Major-General Vladimir Maystrenko. Victory Parade was opened by pupils of Kazan Suvorov Military School. At the head of the troops were the Victory Sign and flag bearers with the standard of battle flags fronts of the Great Patriotic War. Servicemen of the Kazan Higher Military Command School in the form of the war years passed at the parade in front of guests. At the head was the battle flag of the school.

Also, before the audience employees of the bodies of internal Affairs of RT, the students of the Kazan Law Institute of the Russian Interior Ministry, the soldiers of the 26th Special Forces of the Volga regional under command of internal troops of the Russian Interior Ministry, employees of the Main Directorate of the Federal Service for RT Penitentiary, the Main Department of Ministry Of Emergency Situations of Russia in RT, Tatarstan customs passed. In the area cadets of KNRTU-KKHTI and KNRTU named after Tupolev, KSMU students, cadets of Kazan boarding school named after hero of the Soviet Union Boris Kuznetsov, participants of war in Afghanistan and other local conflicts marched. Honor Guard formed from students of the Kazan Higher Command School completed the march.

Before veterans and members of their family a column of military equipment also passed. Among samples of wheeled vehicles, standing in service with the Russian army and law enforcement agencies - armored personnel carriers "BTR-8" and "BTR-70N", trucks "KAMAZ-43269" and "KAMAZ-63968", armored "Typhoon".

At the end of the parade Composite military orchestra of the Kazan garrison performed the song "Victory Day". After the parade in front of the stands vintage cars of military and post-war years of auto retro club "GAZ-21" passed. The celebration continued with a colorful concert for the audience.

May 9 holiday is taking place today in all areas of the city. One of the key events will be action "Immortal regiment", which will start at 15.00. In the capital of Tatarstan participants of the action with the portraits of their grandfathers and great grandfathers will pass from the NCC "Kazan" to the square May 1. The highlight of the day will be fireworks over the waters of the river Kazanka at 22.00.