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Russian Soldiers Reenact WWII-Era Parade on Red Square

The parade traditionally takes place on Red Square — where it was first held in 1941. Sergei Bobylev / TASS
In Nov. 1941, German troops were just 30 kilometers away from Moscow and were close to capturing the Soviet capital. Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Soldiers in the reenactment carried banners of the army divisions that participated in the war. Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency
This year, 5,000 soldiers took part in the parade. They wore vintage Soviet uniforms and carried Soviet-era guns. Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency
More than 28,000 soldiers participated in the first parade in 1941 before going to the front. Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Some of the veterans who participated in the initial parade 77 years ago watched the military celebration from the stands this year. Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Spectators wore World War II-era uniforms during the parade on Wednesday. Igor Ivanko / Moskva News Agency
As the soldiers finished marching, military vehicles took over Red Square, including the legendary Soviet T-34 tank, which is featured on the military medal that commemorates “The Defense of Moscow.” Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, Russian soldiers marched on Red Square to celebrate the 77th anniversary of a Red Army military parade that took place during The Battle of Moscow — one of the key battles of World War II.  

The parade was first held in 1941 and became an annual celebration in subsequent years.

In the Soviet Union, Nov. 7 was also celebrated as a holiday marking the beginning of the October Revolution.

Read more about: WW2

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