MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Last week Europe celebrated 75 years of freedom and the victory of the Allied Forces over Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The Netherlands celebrated ‘Bevrijdingsdag’ (Liberation Day) on Tuesday May 5, while the UK celebrated ‘VE Day‘ on Friday May 8 with flyovers from the Red Arrows over London and RAF Typhoon fighter jets over cities in the other countries of the UK. One day later – on Saturday May 9 – the Russian Federation commemorated the 75th Anniversary of ‘Victory Day‘ at the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow. Russia played an important role by battling and defeating Nazi Germany from the east, while countries like America, Canada, England, Scotland and Poland ended World War II in Europe from the west.

Due to the massive impact of the ongoing corona pandemic, this year’s commemoration and celebration of 75 years of freedom was a total different one, if you compare it with the 74 previous years.

The Russian Federation planned to make this 75th celebration a special one, which the people of Russia would remember for many years to come.

Instead, the 75th commemoration of Victory Day in Russia will always be remembered as a very special celebration, unfortunately also a sad one in relation to the measures taken against the corona pandemic – without the presence of the last WWII veterans, who are in their nineties now.

During this year’s commemoration and celebration at the Kremlin and Red Square, the Russian Federation was forced to cancel the military parade on the Red Square – every year the commemoration is celebrated with an impressive parade of many soldiers, tanks, missile systems and other Russian Army vehicles, showing the nation’s military power, in the presence of President Putin.

Nevertheless, the Russian Air Force air parade this year was still quite spectacular with a massive flyover of many helicopters, fighter jets, bombers and air tankers over the Red Square in Moscow.

Prior to the air parade an emotional ceremony was held at the ‘Tomb of the Unkown Soldier’ at the Kremlin Wall to honor all the brave men who were killed during WWII.

At the end of the day the celebrations were concluded with a massive fireworks show at the Kremlin and Red Square.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Prior to the massive air parade on Saturday – the day of the 75th anniversary of Victory in World WaPresident Putin of Russia laid flowers at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in the Alexander Garden at the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Kremlin.ru reports.

The Tomb is a war memorial, dedicated to the Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

Vladimir Putin congratulated veterans, all Russian citizens on Victory Day:

“Dear citizens of Russia, dear veterans, dear friends! With all my heart I congratulate you on Victory Day! For all of us, this is the most important, most cherished holiday. We always celebrate it solemnly and popularly, all together,” President Putin said in a speech at the Tomb.

“The spiritual, moral significance of Victory Day remains invariably great, and our attitude towards it remains sacred. This is our memory and pride, the history of our country, the history of each family, part of our souls that were passed on to us by fathers and mothers, our grandparents.”

“They have done so much for the Motherland that it can’t be measured, paid for in any way. They saved the Fatherland, the life of future generations, liberated Europe, defended the world, restored cities and villages, achieved grandiose achievements.”

“Here, at the Kremlin wall, is a sacred place for all of us. Eternal fire burns day and night in memory of those who died in the Great Patriotic War.”

“Here lies the Unknown Soldier. We come here to bow to him and all the defenders of the Motherland, heroes who forever remained in mass, unknown graves.”

“We bow our heads to the blessed memory of everyone who has not returned from the war, to the memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fellow soldiers, relatives, friends.”

Impressive Air Parade

At the end of the ceremony from the Kremlin’s Ivanovo Square, Vladimir Putin watched the always impressive air parade in honor of Victory Day, this year celebrated for the 75th time.

After the air parade, President Putin instructed the Minister of Defense – Sergei Shoig – to convey his gratitude to the flight crew and ground services of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, who conducted and provided an air parade in Moscow and other Russian cities on Victory Day.

Fireworks to celebrate 75 years of freedom

At the end of this special Victory Day, a stunning fireworks show was held on Saturday evening at the Kremlin and Red Square to celebrate 75 years of freedom in Russia:

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(Head image: kremlin.ru)