'Avengers didn't beat Nazi Germany, Red Army did!': Russia honours WWII heroes on 74th Victory Day

Although the fighting ended 74 years ago, widespread commemorations keep the ordeal prominent in Russia's collective memory.

Across Russia, millions of people came out for military parades and civilian processions to mark Victory Day, the defeat of Nazi Germany in the hands of the Red Army during World War II. (Photo | AP) 

Although the fighting ended 74 years ago, widespread commemorations keep the ordeal prominent in Russia's collective memory. (Photo | AP)

Thursday's centrepieces in Moscow included a morning military parade in Red Square attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and an afternoon march called the Immortal Regiment. (Photo | AP)

The parade was a highly ritualized production of about 13,000 Russian servicemen marching in tight formation across the vast square in Moscow, followed by about 130 military vehicles including tanks and missile launchers. (Photo | AP)

In the afternoon, an estimated half-million people streamed down a main Moscow thoroughfare, many holding photos of relatives who fought in the war. IN PIC: Russian cadets march march during the Victory Day military parade. (Photo | AP)

Russian honour guard carry a national flag (L) and a replica of the Victory banner carried by the Red Army, during the military parade in Moscow's Red Square. (Photo | AP)

People carry portraits of relatives who fought in World War II, and St. George's ribbon, during the Immortal Regiment march through the main street toward Red Square in Moscow. (Photo | AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, holds a portrait of his father Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin, in front of him, as he and Russian actor Vasily Lanovoy, left, walk among other people carrying portraits of relatives who fought in World War II, during the Immortal Regiment march through Red Square celebrating 74 years since the victory in WWII. (Photo | AP)

A 87-year-old Russian WWII veteran dances with two women dressed in Soviet era uniform celebrate 74 years since the victory in WWII in Gorky Park in Moscow. (Photo | AP)

Galina Malysheva, 95, a Russian WWII veteran sings while celebrating 74 years since the victory in WWII. (Photo | AP)

Local residents carry portraits of their ancestors, participants in World War II as they celebrate the 74th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis in World War II. (Photo | AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day parade. (Photo | AP)

Similar parades and marches were held in cities throughout Russia and in neighboring Ukraine. (Photo | AP)