DUSHANBE, May 8, 2015, Asia-Plus – A military parade took place in Dushanbe on May 8 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II (WWII).

In all, more than 2,000 servicemen, including soldiers and officers of the Ministry of Defense, the Border Troops, the National Guard and the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CES), were on the military parade that was held in Dushanbe’s Victory Park.

Servicemen of the Russian military base deployed in Tajikistan also participate in the military parade in Dushanbe.

Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General, Sherali Mirzo, and Deputy Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Bakhtiyor Ruzminshoyev, commanded the parade.

Victory Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, specifically the capitulation of Nazi forces to the Allies (the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, France, the United States and other principal Allied nations) on May 8, 1945.

In Russia and other countries of former Soviet Union, the day of Victory over Nazi Germany was celebrated on May 9, because when the German Instrument of Surrender actually entered into force (May 8, 1945 at 23:01 CET), it was already May 9 by Moscow Time.  Post-Soviet countries have continued the tradition.

More than 300,000 residents of Tajikistan took part in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and 92,000 of them died in battle.  54 of residents of Tajikistan were given the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.  Besides, 15 other Tajikistan’s residents were Full Holders of the Order of Glory.