Colonel Stepanov of the Russian Guard noted the continuity of generations at the Victory Day Parade

Colonel Denis Stepanov of the Russian Guard shared his impressions of the Victory Day parade on Red Square with a correspondent of Izvestia on May 9. He noted the continuity of generations and a sense of belonging.

"You feel a certain sense of belonging, continuity. When our ancestors went to the front from Red Square, and you [now] are here watching the regiments march. There is a definite association," Stepanov explained.

Hero of Russia Leonid Ryzhov, in turn, admitted that he felt excitement and pride for the troops who honored the memory of their ancestors, who gave peace and tranquility.

"Of course, it's exciting. I am proud that our troops marched through Red Square today and honored the memory of our ancestors who gave us peace and tranquility during the Great Patriotic War," Ryzhov said.

He recalled how in 2013 he himself was part of the parade squad, and noted that the beauty of the formation was seen differently on the podium.

"Being in the ranks there, of course, you want to show the beauty of the formation. And here, on the podium, you see her. It's very exciting," Ryzhov added.

During the parade, he sat next to Vladimir Putin on the podium and was able to talk to the president.

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The parade dedicated to the 81st anniversary of the Victory ended with an aerial part on Red Square to the song "Farewell of the Slavs". Among his guests were veterans with whom the President of the Russian Federation spoke, as well as foreign leaders. After that, they laid flowers at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and listened to the Russian national anthem performed by a military orchestra.

The event itself involved foot crews of military personnel from military educational institutions and participants in a special operation. Putin, addressing the audience, said that the victory of the Russian Federation has always been and will be for its people.