Victory Parade in Kazan

The traditional parade dated to 68th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War was held today at Freedom Square. Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov took part in the event.

Thousands of Tatarstan citizens went to see the parade. The official part started from live broadcast from Red Square in Moscow. President of Russia Vladimir Putin addressed citizens with welcoming speech and greetings.

Rustam Minnikhanov also congratulated Kazan citizens on the holiday.

“Dear participants of the parade, dear veterans and homefront workers, servicemen of Kazan garrison, let me congratulate you on 68th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War! On 9th of May, 1945 the Standard of Victory was raised high in the sky above Reichstag. This event forever came down in human history as the day of celebration and sorrow.

Victory Day is the most important event in heroic biography of our country, every family and our multinational people. We gain the victory because we stand together to defend our Motherland, our values and ideals.

We express gratitude to veterans who protected our country on battle fields and on the homefront. Unfortunately, we have lost many of those who used to stay in line on parades and were living embodiment of Great Victory. But we will always remember heroic deeds of soldiers, fought on fields, those women who worked at factories, children who suffered from terrible ordeals. Our sacred duty is to take care of veterans who are in good health, to provide proper living conditions.

It is very important that veterans take part in patriotic education of the youth, explain the notions of honour, dignity and love to Motherland. Centuries will pass away, generations will change, but the memory about Great Victory will stay with us forever.

Dear veterans! I wish you strong health, happiness and longevity. We will never forget those who fell for freedom of our Motherland! Glory to our nation of winners! Hurrah!”