Russia celebrates Memorial Day on June 22nd. Russia has been celebrating the day since 1996, marking the beginning of the courageous fight of the Soviet people against fascism in World War II. Many Russian cities have hosted commemorative events to honor the memory of those who passed away in this war. Thousands of people lighted candles at 4.00 PM, the hour fascist troops attacked the Soviet Union 69 years ago. The first day of war took thousands of lives. More than 26 million Soviet people never came back home from this war again.
More than 1500 young people came to Red Square to take part in the celebrations, along with the veterans of this war. They brought flowers and candles. Russian president Dmitrii Medvedev and other top officials also took part in the events. The ceremony ended with a military parade, representing the three branches of the Armed Forces.
