Penza, 9 May 2018. PenzaNews. A solemn event dedicated to the 73rd anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War was held near the monument to Military and Labour Valour of Penza Resident on Wednesday, May 9.
After a thanksgiving service in the church of Archangel Michael and the Immortal Regiment procession children with black and orange balloons symbolizing smoke and fire spread across all rays of the star, which the area at the monument is shaped in, and performed a dance.
Then a recorded message about the victory over Nazis, which Soviet citizens heard in May 1945, was played. Flags with the names of fronts and a replica of the Victory Banner 200 square metres in size were brought into the square.
The festive event was continued by a choir of girls wearing pioneer ties and garrison caps who performed the song "Childhood is me and you".
Officials could see the performance well, while the veterans, who were seated on the right and left sides, were almost completely cut off from the artists by a military formation and an orchestra.
Workers of Penza enterprises, representatives of political parties including United Russia and the Communist Party, as well as activists of public organizations and movements took places opposite the monument. Participants of the Immortal Regiment marching in the back end of the procession were late for the beginning of the official part.
Ivan Belozertsev was the first to turn to those present noting that Penza residents had been a model of courage and heroism on all fronts.
"Today everyone remembering their loved ones who passed through the crucible of war wants to be worthy of their memory," the region head said.
Vladimir Kerkhanadzhev, veteran of the Great Patriotic War, participant of the Battle for Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, also congratulated residents and guests of the city.
He wished the younger generation cherishing the memory of the wartime events and those who had defended the Motherland against Nazi invaders at the expense of their life.
The speech was followed by a parade.
Students of the Penza branch of the Army General Khrulev Military Academy of Material and Technical Supply including representatives of several foreign countries marched in front of the veterans and participants of the event.
Penza residents paid tribute to the fellow citizens who had not returned home from battlefields with a minute of silence. Artillery volleys were fired in their honour.
At the end of the event the ceremony of laying wreaths and flowers to the eternal flame was held.
Some residents personally congratulated the veterans who came to the celebration. They thanked them for peaceful sky over the head, presented flowers and wished good health.
