IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

'Immortal Regiment' Marches Through Streets of Russia

Russia marked the 70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with a parade of tanks, troops and portraits of World War II ancestors.
Image: Immortal Regiment March
Local residents carry portraits of their ancestors and participants in World War Two as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis in in St. Petersburg, May 9.Dmitry Lovetsky / AP

Thousands of people took to the streets in Russia with portraits of their ancestors who fought in World War II to mark the 70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in an event called the "Immortal Regiment" march.

Russian President Vladimir Putin led more than 500,000 people through Red Square, one of the largest turnouts in memory, carrying a portrait of his father. The march was preceded by a parade of tanks and troops, an event boycotted by Western leaders over Russia's role in the Ukraine crisis. Putin has used the anniversary to whip up patriotism and anti-Western sentiment.

Image:Vladimir Putin
Putin holds a portrait of his father as he takes part in the "Immortal Regiment" march in Moscow.VASILY MAXIMOV / AFP - Getty Images
Image: Woman with child holds picture of World War Two soldier as she takes part in Immortal Regiment march during Victory Day celebrations in Divnogorsk
A woman with a child holds a picture of World War Two soldier in Divnogorsk.ILYA NAYMUSHIN / Reuters