Rustam Minnikhanov: “We will not allow the oblivion of the heroes”

(KZN.RU, May 9). The solemn parade in honor of the 72nd anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 took place in the capital of Tatarstan today. The large-scale action, traditional and beloved by the Russians, unfolded on the Millennium Square, and hundreds of veterans became its guests: heroes of combat and labor glory, as well as their relatives and residents. Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the RT, Alexei Pesoshin, the Prime Minister of the R, Farid Mukhametshin, the chairman of the State Council of the RT, Mintimer Shaimiev, the State Councilor of the RT, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, and others attended the parade.

The parade began with a theatrical prolog, in which more than 2 thousand people took part. The artists presented dance and vocal performances to the guests of the festival. Archive photo and video footage of the war years, as well as small interviews of veterans, were broadcasted behind the stage on the big screen between and during the performances.

By tradition, a live broadcast from the Red Square in Moscow was organized during the Kazan parade. 10 thousand servicemen took part, 114 units of military equipment, 72 aircraft and helicopters were presented in the main parade of the country.

The speech of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, was sounded during the broadcast. The head of state congratulated the citizens of Russia on the Victory Day, noting that the people themselves defined the greatness of this holiday by their unprecedented feat of saving the Fatherland.

“We must remember that victory was won at the cost of huge, irreplaceable victims, that the war took millions of lives. The Nazis brought down the most powerful blows on the Soviet Union. But no, there was no and there will be no force that could conquer our people. It stood to the death, defending the native land, and performed what seemed to be impossible, turned back the bloody wheel of the World War II, drove the enemy back to where he dared to come to our land, crushed Nazism, putting an end to his atrocities. Today we bow our heads before the blessed memory of all who have not returned from the war. Before the memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, brother-soldiers, relatives, friends. We mourn the veterans who have already left us”, said the President and announced a minute of silence.

“We celebrate the holiday on May 9 throughout our vast country, in every family. The war did not pass either of them. We feel a bloody, piercing relation with a generation of heroes and winners. And I will say to them: you will never be ashamed of us. The Russian soldier is ready today for any feat, for any sacrifice for his country, for his people, as at all times, showing courage and heroism”, continued V. Putin.

“The further the events of the Great Patriotic War go down in history, the higher our responsibility to future generations. We are obliged to give them stability and peace on the planet. To convey the stern, heroic truth and memory of the Patriotic War, the spirit and meaning of the Great Victory. So our descendants will love Russia. And a generation that selflessly fought for the Motherland and with honor defended her freedom and independence forever remains in the memory of the people. Glory to the victorious people! Happy holiday to you, the Victory Day!”, concluded the President of the Russian Federation.

After the performance of the anthem of Russia, Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of Tatarstan, addressed to veterans, workers of the rear, parade participants, and servicemen of the Kazan garrison and congratulated them in Russian and Tatar languages.

“May 9 is the day of triumph of the multinational people of our great country, a symbol of its indomitable spirit, unity, and solidarity. It was our country that crushed Nazism, liberated Europe from slavery, and won the war at the cost of millions of victims and terrible trials. Our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers fought the enemy to defend their native land. We bow our heads before the blessed memory of all who have not returned from the war and who are no longer with us. Without hiding pride and tears, we thank you, dear veterans and workers of the rear. Our sacred duty is to preserve the unfading truth about the events of the Great Patriotic War to our descendants. We will not allow the oblivion of the heroes”, said the head of the republic.

“Dear Tatarstan inhabitants, today the whole world is again faced with a global threat – terrorism. This evil and violence can only be overcome by joint coordinated efforts. A strong and reliable army, efficient armed forces are the necessary conditions for preserving peace and stability. Today, soldiers and commanders of the Russian army, worthy successors to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, defend the frontiers and interests of our country with honor and courage. Dear veterans and workers of the rear, your courage and boundless love for the Motherland, vital wisdom, and inexhaustible energy is an example for all of us. Strong health to you, longevity, and a peaceful sky above. Let relatives and friends please you by their successes, surround you with care and love. Happy holiday, the Victory Day”, said R. Minnikhanov.

After the performance of the Tatarstan anthem, the solemn march began on the Millennium Square. Kirill Kulakov, the major general and the chief of the Kazan garrison, led the parade, in which over 1800 people took part, 14 units of equipment, and 26 ceremonial calculations.

Pupils of the Kazan Suvorov Military School opened the Victory Parade. The Banner of Victory and bearers with the standards of combat banners of the fronts of the Great Patriotic War were at the head of the troops. The servicemen of the Kazan Higher Military Command School, which prepares specialists for tank units, marched in military uniforms in front of the guests. The military banner of the school was at the head.

Also, employees of the interior affairs agencies of the RT, cadets of the Kazan Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, fighters of the special task unit of the Volga regional command of internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, employees of the Main Directorate of the Federal Service for the Execution of Punishments for the RT, the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Measures of Russia for the RT, and Tatarstan Customs marched in front of the audience. Consolidated company of cadets KNRTU-KCTI and KNRTU named after A. Tupolev, students of KSMU, cadets of the Kazan boarding school named after Boris Kuznetsov, the Hero of the Soviet Union, representatives of the Tatarstan junior-army movement of the RT (students of the gymnasium №94 of the Moskovsky region, students of the Raif specialized vocational school), column of participants of Afghanistan and other local conflicts marched on the square. The Guard of Honor Company, formed from cadets of the Kazan Higher Command School, completed the march.

Also, a column of military equipment passed in front of the stands with veterans and members of their family. Armored personnel carriers BTR-80A, BTR-70N, trucks KAMAZ-43269, KAMAZ-4350, KAMAZ-5350, KAMAZ- 6350, KAMAZ-65225, and BTR-80 were among the samples of wheeled vehicles in service of the Russian army and law enforcement agencies.

At the end of the parade, the Consolidated Military Orchestra of the Kazan Garrison performed the song “Victory Day”.

The celebration on May 9 takes place today in all districts of the city. One of the main events will be the action “Immortal Regiment”, which will begin at 15.00. Participants of the action will carry portraits of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers from the Svoboda Square to the Millennium Square in the capital of Tatarstan. The culmination of the day will be firework, which will be launched at 22.00 above the water area of the Kazanka River.