User:LidiiaSer/Great Celebration in the Epidemiological Situation

Military conflict
The Second World War is a military conflict which involved 62 out of 74 countries. One of the participants in this war was the USSR. In the modern world this country doesn't exist because it collapsed in 1991 and 15 new independent countries were formed. Nowadays these nations annually celebrate Victory Day on the 9th of May by having parades, laying flowers and wreaths by the memorials and following other traditions.

Parade of 1945
The parade was ordered by Josef Stalin on the 22nd of June 1945. This celebration was held on 24th of June 1945. It is still considered as the longest and the largest parade in the history of Red Square. Celebration lasted 2 hours and included participation of 40.000 soldiers and 1.850 military vehicles. Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov was its inspector and Marshal of Soviet Union Konstantin Rokossovsky was its commander.

Parade of 2020
This year celebration was a bit different due to world situation. Russian government announced that 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory would be held on the 24th of July instead of traditional 9th of May. The reason for such decision was that in 1945 exactly on the same day was the first Victory Parade on Red Square. So, how was the usual holiday celebrated this year in Russia. Parade impressed people by a big amount of new military equipment and extraordinary special effects. 14 thousand soldiers, 243 military vehicles and 75 planes took part in the great celebration.

Measures due to COVID-19
Usually Moscow Parade is accompanied by military processions in various Russian cities. This year heads of 13 regions decided to cancel local events dedicated to this holiday. Nevertheless, cities of military glory couldn't refuse to held parades because it's a tradition. All participants of parade on Red Square were obliged to take test on COVID-19. Despite serious epidemiological situation in the country, soldiers and the majority of guests didn't have their masks put on and social distance of 1,5-2 meters wasn't provided. Also, live broadcast of the parade was available.