May 9: Victory Day

Yesterday was Victory Day, a major holiday in the former Soviet Union celebrating the Soviet victory over the fascists in World War II (or the Great Patriotic War, as it is known here). On this day, veterans wear their old war medals, and citizens traditionally give them flowers to thank them for their sacrifices. There's also typically a large parade; in Soviet times, and in today's Russia, the parade features hundreds of tanks and missiles and military vehicles, and fly overs by military jets. In Ukraine this year, there was only one military vehicle, probably due to budget limitations.

Shortly after the main parade, there was also a march by the Communist Party Of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Anti-Fascist Committee, complete with Stalin placards and a sign equating NATO with the SS. Unfortunately, the battery on my camera expired before I could get pictures of them in action.

You can see a few pictures at my picture site.