According to the press secretary of the All-Russian civil-patriotic movement “Immortal Regiment of Russia” Olga Baybulova, the number of participants in the Immortal Regiment action this year amounted to almost 3 mln people.
“As of 15:00 Moscow time on May 9, when the acceptance of applications was discontinued, we received 2837681 applications. The number almost reached 3 mln, ” TASS quotes her as saying.
This year, the rally in memory of the Immortal Regiment takes place in a non-standard format: amid the coronavirus pandemic, citizens are self-isolating, and therefore, the event was transferred to virtual space - each of the participants spoke about his ancestor who fought in the Great Patriotic War on the polkrf.ru website.
Traditionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin also takes part in the Immortal Regiment action. He also recorded a video with portraits of his parents, Vladimir Spiridonovich and Maria Ivanovna Putin. Vladimir Putin’s father defended Nevsky Pyatachok and was awarded the medals ”For Military Merit”, “For the Defense of Leningrad”, “For the Victory over Germany”, his mother survived the blockade of Leningrad and was awarded the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad”.
"Dear friends! I want to appeal to those who regularly take part in the procession of the Immortal Regiment with photos and portraits of their loved ones, their relatives - participants of the Great Patriotic War, at the call of their hearts. Whether we are in the same ranks or staying at home, as we are today, our heroes are always with us in our hearts, ” the president emphasized.
“And it will always be that way, they will stay with us forever. Later, we will march on the cobblestones of Red Square, paying tribute to our heroes, ”Vladimir Putin assured.
