Some 20,000 Russian cadets and soldiers showed off their military might, marching in lockstep across Red Square for the annual military parade that marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. The Russian president, accompanied by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and other senior officials watched the parade from a podium in front of Vladimir Lenin's mausoleum. The first Victory Day parade was held in Red Square on June 24, 1945 under the order of Joseph Stalin. At this year's event, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed to contribute to the overall effort to maintain global stability in the world. He added, Parades play an enormous instructional role in our country. This year's event had nearly double the participants of the previous year. Military parades were also held throughout the country to celebrate Russia's most solemn secular holiday.

Dmitry Medvedev Germany Germany Dmitry Medvedev