Russian soldiers in World War II Soviet uniform paraded across Red Square here Friday to mark the 67th anniversary of the legendary military parade of 1941.

Russian soldiers with replica of World War II uniforms and weapons participate in a military parade on Red Square in Moscow, capital of Russia, on Nov. 7, 2008. Moscow marked the 67th anniversary of a historical parade in 1941 when Soviet soldiers marched through the Red Square directly to the front lines of World War II to fight against the invading Nazi troops. (Xinhua Photo)

“Today’s march on Red Square is intended to express our common pride and gratitude and to pay our respects to those who did not return from the battlefield,” Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov said.

Parade participants wore World War II uniforms and other historical military costumes. Some were on horseback while others marched in the traditional goose-step style. World War II veterans were invited to watch the parade as guests of honor.

The Nov. 7, 1941 parade, which commemorated the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, was held after Russia joined World War II and aimed to raise morale as Nazi German forces approached Moscow. The troops headed straight to the front line outside Moscow after the parade.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet