Victory day May 9th 2019

бессмертный полк

The immortal regiment.
Families march through every town and city in Russia holding portraits of their loved ones lost in war.
Here are a few memories of a very emotional day in Russia.

Flags from the U.S.S.R. were abundant as the day is to celebrate victory in the Second World War, during the soviet period.
The immortal regiment or бессмертный полк has become very popular in Russia after having been introduced only recently in 2012
The figures of casualties suffered by the Russian people are staggering, frightening and almost incomprehensible. An estimated 27 million fatalities have been recorded.

Young and old, groups, soldiers and veterans marched together, it was a sight that will live for a long time in my memory.

Some younger people got into the spirit of the day by dressing in period dress, I think this gentleman is carrying a period machine gun!

A single woman led the procession carrying two photos of her lost family, followed by a woman in period uniform and a wonderfully restored motorbike and sidecar.

I think this is my favourite! Generals and officials being transported in a period miltary vehicle.

Bikers, some on Harley Davisons, proudly parading their Russian flags.

Russian soldiers with the soviet CCCP flag.

A very proud officer wearing a full display of his medals, no doubt with many memories of his career.