Europe Marks 60th Anniversary Of VE Day

[angelophile]

Ceremonies in Moscow to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day drew to a close this morning with a spectacular hour-long parade in Red Square.It was attended by more than 50 world leaders who paid tribute at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, after a fly-past by Russian fighter jets.

The parade was the highlight of events to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe.

Nearly 27 million Soviet citizens died in the conflict - by far the biggest loss suffered by any country.

Among the world leaders who flew in for the commemorations were US President George Bush, who sat next to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

In his keynote speech, Mr Putin vowed to ensure there would never be a repeat of either the Cold War or a real war.

He hailed reconciliation between Russia and Germany as "one of the most important post-war achievements" in Europe.

"Faced with today's real threats of terrorism, we must remain faithful to the memory of our fathers," he said.

"We must defend a world order based on security and justice, on a new culture of mutual relations which do not allow any repetition of either Cold Wars or hot wars."

Meanwhile, the Queen is joining residents of the Channel Islands to celebrate their liberation day.

The islands were the only part of Britian to suffer under German occupation and many residents risked their lives for freedom.

Yesterday, veterans were joined by thousands of people at events across the country to mark the anniversary of VE Day.