Penza, 9 May 2015. PenzaNews. Over 2,000 citizens of Penza city and the region took part in the campaign “The Immortal Regiment” on Saturday, May 9, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory.

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Among them were school and university students, workers and the elderly; many of them wore St. George’s ribbons on their chests, and carried tulips, carnations and roses.

The march column began to form by the Penza Military and Labor Valor Monument.

The people were led by seven young men in red jackets holding the “Immortal Regiment” banner.

The front seven were followed by Penza citizens holding photos of soldiers and homefront workers. Most of them were printed following a united style, while some were clearly home-made. The people were also carrying the medals of their killed or deceased relatives and letters from the front lines reproduced from family archives.

The “Immortal Regiment” column marched along Pobedy prospekt towards the “Buratino” store, and then returned to the Penza Military and Labor Valor Monument.

The march was held before the official events in the location and set the tone for the holiday.

The Penza citizens continue to arrive to Pobedy prospekt from various areas of the city to greet the ancestors of the WWII soldiers. Some of the elderly struggle to hold back tears, yet they do not hide their smiles.

The officials installed special seats for the veterans to observe the Victory Day parade, and more seats for other people, mostly occupied by the elderly and women with children.