Penza, 9 May 2014. PenzaNews. Around 10 thousand people took part in the festive events by the Monument of Military and Labor Glory on Pobeda prospect on Friday, May 9. The official ceremony was opened with “The Immortan Regiment” campaign, during which more than 700 citizens marched with the photos of warriors who died in battle.

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Before the beginning of the solemn event Vasiliy Bochkaryov, governor of Penza region, approach the war veteranc who were invited as the honorary guests, thanked them for their selflessness and shook their hands.

“I sincerely congratulate you with the Day of the Great Victory, the holiday loved by the nation. The final volleys of the bloodiest and most merciless war ceased 69 years ago. The further we are from the victorious 1945, the better we grasp the greatness of the feat of Soviet people,” said head of Penza region in his address to the citizens and visitors of Penza who gathered by the monument.

According to the governor, the victory in the Great Patriotic War had proven that justice and truth, not force, always triumphs at the end.

“Victory Day unites us, fills our souls with pride for our Fatherland, with belief in strength of our nation of many nations, inspires us for the great act of serving Russia,” Vasiliy Bochkaryov emphasized.

Vladimir Kerhanadzhaev, veteran of the Great Patriotic War who took part in the Battle for Stalingrad, was the next to speak.

“Dearest friends! From regional and city veteran council, I greet you and congratulate you with the 69th anniversary of the Great Victory. Our greatest respect to those who took part in the Great Patriotic War and the frontline workers. In 1945, the Soviet people crushed the Nazi Germany. Now, 69 years had passed, and still some generation of faschism is alive, and the catastrophic situation in Ukraine is an example of this,” he said.

Then, Vladimir Kerhanadzaev addressed the veterans.

“I call to all who took part in the Great Patriotic War who are still alive in the Penza region to live until the 70th anniversary of the Victory, celebrate this holiday and prove once again that the Russian people stood, stand and will stand for peace,” he emphasized.

After that, Vasiliy Bochkaryov and Vladimir Herhanadzaev were given the honorary right to life the State flag of the Russian Federation and The Banner of Victory.

Next was the ceremony of laying of wreath and flowers to the Monument of Military and Labor Glory of Penza citizens. A moment of silence were held for the victims of the war.

The festive events were continued by the traditional relay race. Around 2 thousand people took part in the event.

The festive events were held in the other parts of the city, where chorus ensembles performed outdoors.

More than 600 police officers were involved in the protection of public peace and defense security on the streets of Penza on Victory Day.