Russia marks anniversary of 1941 military parade

Thousands of Russian soldiers and military cadets have marched across Red Square to mark the 70th anniversary of a historic World War II parade.

The show honored the participants of the Nov. 7 1941 parade, who afterward headed to the frontline to defend Moscow from invading Nazi forces. The parade Monday involved about 6,000 people — many of them dressed in World War II-era uniforms — and featured T-34 tanks and other historic weapons.

Veterans watched the event that included a combat imitation exercise and artillery crews getting ready for combat.

During Soviet times, military parades were held annually on Nov. 7 — a holiday commemorating the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution — and many older Russians still celebrate it as such. Russia abolished the Nov. 7 holiday in 2005.