Victory Parade held in Kazan

On May 9, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, and veterans took part in a solemn parade dated to the 69th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on Freedom Square in Kazan.

The parade began with carrying flags of Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Banner of Victory. A live broadcast from Moscow Red Square was held afterwards. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed citizens with congratulatory speech.

On behalf of Tatarstan State Council and Government and personally, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated participants of the parade, veterans, and homefront workers:

“The 9th of May has forever become a sacred day, our fathers and grandfathers did their best to be closer to this day, fought bravely on the front, and conquered the enemy. A horrible, murderous war is in the past,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President continued that Russian citizens remember those glorious and tragic days, and heroes of the great battle.

“Tatarstan citizens will always remember heroes of that horrible war. We will never be tolerant of Nazi ideology. Our sacred duty is to maintain unity and devotion to precepts of our ancestors, and defend our country from aggressors,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Rustam Minnikhanov suggested paying tribute to the fallen by a minute’s silence.

“Dear friends, let this spring day fill our hearts with pride for invincible Motherland. I wish all veterans, successors of military glory strong heath, happiness and wellbeing, and peaceful sky above. May the memory of our heroes live forever! All honour to the winners and valorous army!”

Servicemen of Kazan garrison, law enforcement bodies, and students of Kazan higher educational institutions marched through the square.