Russian Victory Day Parade

May 9th was the 63rd anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, so there were celebrations in Moscow. This year’s celebration was a bit different than those held in recent years, since it involved a revival of Soviet-style military parades of power:

For the first time in years, heavy military hardware rumbled through Red Square.

Over one hundred nuclear missiles, tanks and jet planes wowed millions watching the parade across the country.

BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, BTR-80 armoured personnel carriers, T-90 tanks, Topol-M mobile missile launchers and Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers rolled across Red Square. A spectacular aerobatic show with SU-27 and MiG-29 jet fighters took place in the sky above the heart of Moscow.

And while some may see it as a statement on the country’s military force, for others it is a chance to remember the war, join together in their pride for their country and the long way it has come over the years.

Here is a full video of the parade, followed by about 30 pictures of the Russian celebrations I found on news sites, blogs, and forums.

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4]