Victory Day

Last week, Ryan had Monday, Tuesday, AND Wednesday off.  This holiday break was much needed, since he got back from Moscow on Sunday, and left for his Astrakhan pipeline tour on Wednesday.  His travel before and after the holiday break kept us from traveling anywhere, but in the end, I am thankful we didn't travel; the rest and time together was much need. He is still currently gone, but I have received a couple pictures from his trip, and I hope to get more.  I will post the pictures in a later blog, and hopefully get Ryan to write a little bit about his trip.

The reason for the holiday break was Victory Day, which was celebrated on Wednesday, May 9th.  I "wikipedia-ed" in order to get a nice little summary:

Victory Day^[1] or 9 May marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the Second World War (also known as the Great Patriotic War in the Soviet Union and mostpost-Soviet states). It was first inaugurated in the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union, following the signing of the surrender document late in the evening on 8 May 1945 (after midnight, thus on 9 May, by Moscow Time). The Soviet government announced the victory early on 9 May after the signing ceremony in Berlin.^[2] Though the official inauguration happened in 1945 (which means it has been celebrated since 1946), the holiday became a non-labour day only in 1965 and only in some of the countries.

Now, regardless of faith, political affiliation or nationality in the former Soviet Union, this festival is celebrated to commemorate the 28 000 000 (according to various estimates) children, parents, spouses and friends killed in Soviet Union during II World War for independence from Nazi Germany.

If you wish, you may go to the link, and read the entire wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_Day_(9_May)

In the morning, Ryan and I walked to the parade that was taking place in Novorossiysk (nothing compared to the large, extravagant parade that takes place in Moscow).  I took my camera to capture some photos.  The parade mainly consisted of military members, and military vehicles.  At times, it was a bit overwhelming with the large crowds, and their lack of personal bubbles (I have never liked people in my personal space, and apparently, my personal space is a large area), but at the same time, it was also nice to see so many people out, and excited for the parade.  The weather was beautiful, which made for a nice, enjoyable walk to the parade, and home, along the promenade.  


I cannot explain what particular military group is in each picture, or the correct name for each military vehicle, but I hope you enjoy a small glimpse at the Victory Day Parade.