Fourteen thousand soldiers and 100 units of military equipment took part in this last rehearsal before the big day. It was also the only daytime dress rehearsal – unlike the previous three, which were held at night.
All servicemen involved in the parade wore their dress uniforms, and tanks, missile launchers and armored vehicles rolled down Red Square. To preserve the Red Square paving blocks, special rubber grips have been fitted on all the track vehicles.Helicopters and fighter jets are also part of Victory Day celebrations, and will fly over the Kremlin on May 9th.The Victory Day parade is an annual event. The biggest parade is held in the Russian capital, but most towns across the country join in the festivities as well. Around 1,500 World War II veterans are expected to attend the parade on Red Square.