The significance of the [Immortal Regiment] movement is that it was born in the hearts of our people rather than in administrative offices, the President said, adding that it is a demonstration of the respect our people have for the older generation.
Answering a question later about his participation in the Immortal Regiment event, Mr Putin said that is was the courage and blood of ordinary Russian and Soviet soldiers that laid the road to Victory. “When we carry their photos, we pay tribute to all that they did for our country, and at the same time, we are conscious that now the responsibility for Russia lies on our shoulders, and we must be worthy of our fathers’ and grandfathers’ feat,” the President said.
On May 9, people across Russia and abroad join in the Immortal Regiment movement marching through the streets with photos of their relatives who fought in the Great Patriotic War. This year’s march is the fourth of its kind.