On May 9, 2025, Kuibyshev Square in Samara was transformed into a vibrant arena of remembrance and pride, as over 20,000 spectators gathered to witness a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War. This impressive event featured around 30 parade crews and 100 units of military equipment, showcasing both modern technology and historical vehicles that played a pivotal role in the war.
The day began with the arrival of participants for the "Immortal Regiment" procession, which returned to its traditional format after a two-year hiatus. The formation of columns started early, at 8:00 AM, ensuring all safety protocols were strictly followed. Spectators filled the stands, including veterans of the Great Patriotic War and former prisoners of fascist concentration camps, all eager to honor the sacrifices made during a tumultuous period in history.
The solemn military parade commenced at 10:00 AM, broadcast live by the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company "Samara". The event kicked off with a performance by a combined musical group featuring four orchestras from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and one from the National Guard. Young members of the exemplary ensemble Samara Zvonari provided musical accompaniment, creating a stirring atmosphere as the parade guards, Colonel Lipatov and Colonel Rakhimov, inspected the troops and congratulated them on this significant anniversary.
As the parade unfolded, the first to march were the drumline girls from the Samara Law Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service, followed by the drummers of the Samara Cadet Corps of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who proudly declared, "We swear to study and live with dignity, and in the future - to serve the Fatherland faithfully!" This was followed by a display of the honor guard, representing the ground forces, aerospace forces, and the naval fleet of Russia.
The historical segment of the parade was particularly poignant, featuring groups carrying the standards of ten fronts from the final stages of the Great Patriotic War. Soldiers dressed in uniforms from that era, armed with Mosin rifles, marched in honor of their predecessors. Notable participants included the parade crew of the 15th separate Guards motorized rifle Aleksandriyskaya brigade, the crew of the Volga Rescue Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the parade crew of the Samara department of the "Combat Brotherhood" led by Colonel Vladimir Reprintsev, a holder of the Order of the Red Star.
The mechanized column was a highlight of the day, showcasing an array of military hardware, from the legendary T-34 tank to modern BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and Iskander-M missile systems. The parade also featured modernized Urals and UAZ Patriot pickups equipped with large-caliber machine guns, as well as historical vehicles like the Willis, Ford, and Dodge, which participated in the war. The audience responded with enthusiasm, warmly welcoming the participants and expressing their gratitude for the sacrifices made by past generations.
Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev addressed the crowd, emphasizing the enduring significance of victory in the Great Patriotic War. "Victory will forever remain the core of our people," he stated, expressing deep gratitude to the veterans. He said, "Dear veterans! Your exploits will always serve as an example of heroism, unparalleled courage, and strength of spirit. We bow low to you for everything you have done for the Great Victory, for the development of the Samara region and our country."
The parade culminated in the "Immortal Regiment" procession, where approximately 10,000 participants carried portraits of front-line soldiers and those who contributed to the victory from the wartime capital of Kuibyshev. This heartfelt display of remembrance underscored the collective memory of the sacrifices made during the war.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of pride and unity as citizens reflected on the sacrifices made by their forebears. The event also included a minute of silence to honor those who defended the Motherland, followed by the State Anthem of the Russian Federation and the official commencement of the parade.
As the parade concluded, Governor Fedorishchev reiterated his thanks to the veterans and expressed his wishes for health and happiness to all residents of the Samara region. The celebrations did not end with the parade; a detailed program for additional events on May 9 and 10 was previously published, indicating a continued commitment to honoring the legacy of the Great Patriotic War.
In a nationwide address, President Vladimir Putin also commemorated the occasion, emphasizing the importance of remembering the lessons of the Second World War and the sacrifices made by millions. He noted, "Today, we are all united by feelings of joy and sorrow, pride and gratitude, reverence for the generation that crushed the Nazis, at the cost of millions of lives defended freedom and peace for all mankind."
As the festivities came to a close, the spirit of remembrance and gratitude filled the air, reminding all present of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
