On May 3, 2025, Washington, D.C. will witness the return of the "Immortal Regiment" march for the first time in six years. This significant event, which commemorates the sacrifices of those who fought in World War II, has not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic and a complex political climate. According to Anna Blokh, the project's coordinator, the authorities have sanctioned the presence of 300 participants, although she anticipates that fewer individuals will actually attend.
The march will kick off at Lafayette Square Park, directly across from the White House, before proceeding to the World War II Memorial. Notably, the participation of Russian Ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, is not expected. This event comes on the heels of President Donald Trump's earlier declaration of May 8 as Victory in Europe Day in the United States, a day he emphasized as a tribute to the significant contributions of Americans in the fight against Nazi Germany.
Meanwhile, in Kalmykia, residents are invited to join the All-Russian action "Immortal Regiment of Russia Online." This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation from fascism, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared 2025 as the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. To participate, individuals can upload photographs of veterans from the Great Patriotic War or home front workers to the Immortal Regiment's website, 2025.polkrf.ru, or via social media applications VKontakte and Odnoklassniki by May 6. For the first time, participants can restore and colorize these photos and share information about the veterans online.
The online procession will take place on May 9, 2025, allowing portraits of Kalmyk veterans to be displayed alongside those of other participants from the Great Patriotic War. This initiative aims to connect past and present, honoring the sacrifices made by earlier generations while recognizing the ongoing contributions of current military personnel.
In the Tver region, local residents are also encouraged to take part in the Immortal Regiment march. This event, which is one of the most significant observances of Victory Day, will be held both in person and online. Tver residents can register for the march until May 6, 2025, through the official action website or via social media platforms. Participants are asked to provide the names of their relatives who were involved in the Great Patriotic War and to upload photographs. The site offers tools to restore and colorize these images, enhancing the tribute to these heroes.
On May 9, a virtual procession will be available on the same website, showcasing the photographs of participants organized by their respective fronts and divisions. This digital initiative aims to create a unique and touching tribute to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, allowing families to honor their ancestors while fostering a sense of national pride.
In Samara, the Immortal Regiment procession will also take place in person for the first time since 2022. Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev expressed the importance of this event in his Telegram channel, stating, "The Immortal Regiment is not just a procession. This is a living thread of memory connecting generations. This is a story that goes side by side with us in an immortal row of portraits, in the beating of our hearts." On May 9, participants will carry photographs of their relatives who fought in the Great Patriotic War as they march through Kuibyshev Square.
Additionally, Governor Alexei Russkikh of the Ulyanovsk region confirmed that their local Immortal Regiment march will also occur in person for the first time since 2022. The procession is expected to take place in other cities across the Volga region, including Orenburg and Kazan. This year, regional authorities have the autonomy to decide on the format of their respective marches, with at least 45 regions indicating a desire to hold in-person events.
It's noteworthy that the Immortal Regiment marches were not held in 2023 and 2024 due to safety concerns stemming from Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022. These marches, which feature portraits of fallen soldiers from World War II, have been a powerful symbol of patriotism in Russia, designed to strengthen national pride and remembrance.
As the Immortal Regiment marches unfold across various regions, they serve to unite individuals in a shared remembrance of the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War. The combination of in-person and online events this year presents a unique opportunity for communities to come together, honoring the past while engaging with the present.
In summary, the return of the Immortal Regiment to Washington, D.C., alongside similar events in Russia, illustrates a deep-seated commitment to remembering and honoring those who fought for freedom and peace. As these commemorative events take place, they not only celebrate the bravery of past generations but also inspire current and future generations to uphold the values of courage and sacrifice.
