Having stayed specifically for the victory parade in Vladivostok, I haven’t been disappointed. The only irritation were the throngs of people trying to get in front of me to witness the marching soldiers and the procession of tanks.I was up a little earlier this morning to get down to the parade ground for what I had heard would be a 9 May victory parade of the likes that haven’t been seen since Soviet times. I have never seen one before so I have nothing to compare it with. I spoke to a few sailors from the USS Strethem which is currently docked in Vladivostok and they seemed to think that it was quite a show with some impressive artillery on display. I am not particularly knowledgeable about killing machines so I can’t tell you what I saw. Here are a few pictures of the marching, flag waving and elaborate killing machines.
It was on 9 May 1945 that the Russian Army marched into Berlin and declared victory over Germany (I don’t think it any coincidence that Saving Private Ryan was on TV last night). Judging by the turnout of both young and old at today’s parade, it is clearly a day of great significance in Russia. What is also evidenced is that it is not just the teary-eyed war veterans that are strongly patriotic of Russia
As the celebrations and parades spread west as the sun rises over Russia, I have retired to my hotel room to prepare for my trip to China tomorrow. I hope to make my way out tonight to catch some of the fireworks.
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