Rustam Minnikhanov: "Victory Day is a celebration for the ages"

(Kazan, KZN.RU, May 9, by Ekaterina Andreyeva) A ceremonial parade in honor of the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 was held at Kazan's Freedom Square. The event was attended by Acting President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and other officials.

The parade is traditionally one of the key events of the day. It was attended by veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The parade opened with a theatrical prologue. Following that, there was a live broadcast of the parade in Moscow's Red Square which featured an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The President greeted the citizens of Russia on the occasion of the great holiday – Victory Day, noting that thanks to the veterans' feat a peaceful and dignified life for generations of Russians was secured.

The memory of those who never returned from the most bloody and brutal war in human history was honored by a moment of silence.

Following the anthem of the Russian Federation, Acting President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov addressed the veterans, home front workers and the military garrison, greeting them in the Russian and Tatar languages. Rustam Minnikhanov wished all veterans of war and labor and all heirs to their military and labor glory good health, happiness and prosperity.

Following the anthem of Tatarstan, a solemn march began in Freedom Square. The parade was led by the chief of the Kazan garrison, Major-General Vladimir Maystrenko.

For the first time after a long break in a Victory Parade, a column of military vehicles – five BTR-70s, two KAMAZ-Vystrels, three Kamaz-Typhoons and six BTR-80 armored personnel carriers – rolled past the veterans and their family members.