A few days later, the first of 1.1 million Soviet troops crossed this last great natural barrier to start its final contest for Berlin. In the first months of 1945, Soviet units raced across present-day Poland to the Oder River, evicting the last Wehrmacht troops by March 20th from its eastern bank. Nazi Germany, even quicker than it had risen as a military power, fell fast. The Victory Day Parade is a solemn but victorious affair, one in which accomplishment is recognized above tragedy. The impossible victory over Germany stirs a sense of gratitude through Russia. Russia suffered the most lives lost during World War II, capping their death toll at nearly 30 million. Seventy-five years ago, one of the strongest enemies the world has ever encountered was defeated under a joint effort by the Allies. This once-a-year celebration is a historic landmark as well as a display of modern military might. Yet no matter how many foods they eat or villages they visit, there is one event on one day that will give them more culture than the rest of their travels combined: the Victory Day Parade on May 9th. They indulge their taste buds with the best Russian cuisine such as borsch, pelmenis, and blinis. They visit villages like Mandrogi and Yaroslavl to get the oft-forgotten aspects of Russia’s history. When foreigners travel to Russia, many arrive with the intent of experiencing true Russian culture. Large crowds can be expected, but the experience will touch the heart of anyone who has an appreciation for the role Russia played in bringing down fascism in Europe back in 1945. Most celebratory activities are centered at Red Square (the Spasskaya clock tower usually rings to start the morning parade) and Poklonnaya Gora - the vast memorial complex to those who fought in World War II. Moscow, which President Vladimir Putin declared in 2006 as the “City of Military Glory,” normally dresses up for the affair, with day-long activities, concerts, and fireworks at night, but during Jubilee years (the next will be the 76th, held on May 9th, 2021) the city becomes a focal point for remembrance, often with the honored attendance of many foreign dignitaries.
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