"It was very surprising to know the (U.S.) Air Force was going to participate," said Savitskaya, who attended the concert with her mother. Maria Savitskaya watched the parade in Minsk, her hometown, and attended the band's concert at the Great Patriotic War Museum, which showcases the countries’ efforts in World War II. Belarus honors us by inviting us to the parade, and we honor their veterans by marching in it." "This parade was a massive tribute to them. "What we saw in the parade is only possible because of what veterans have done for us," he continued.
"The young men and women who marched in the parade and the advancement of technology, are only here because of the sacrifices of the men and women - the one-in-four people in the Republic of Belarus - who perished while trying to save their country. "Coming here for this parade, and learning the history about what the Republic of Belarus suffered through during World War II - losing one (out of) four (people) in the country to war - was sobering," Mench said. Next, the band traveled to Minsk where they toured the Great Patriotic War Musem and conducted a concert at its entrance. The Airmen stood witness as Roland and Mench paid tribute in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Brest Hero-Fortress Memorial Complex's Eternal Flame.
Never did I think that I would be part of a parade like that."īefore the parade, the band performed a concert in Brest and toured Brest Hero-Fortress Memorial Complex. "I grew up during the Cold War, and I've seen the parades in Moscow with all the soldiers, all of the high-stepping and all of the weaponry. "I can't think of anything else we've done like this," Mench said. Michael Mench, the USAFE Band commander, said the band's visit to Belarus was a unique experience. In addition to the soldiers, more than 300 pieces of military equipment from Russia and Belarus, including tanks, helicopters, fighter aircraft, transportation aircraft and bombers were featured. More than 600,000 people lined the streets to watch the parade, according to Belarus state media. "I think it is truly symbolic that representatives of the Russian and United States' armed forces will march with Belarusian servicemen in the parade." "The leaders of the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition succeeded in bridging all differences and together defeated fascism," Lukashenko said. Republic of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko echoed Roland's sentiments during a speech at the start of the parade. They agreed we should all be doing this - we should be showing that this was a joint victory. "The diplomatic corps was ecstatic to see the Americans in this parade. "For many years, this holiday has only been celebrated by Belarusians and Russians," said Scott Roland, the U.S. military unit has participated in Belarus' Victory Day Parade, according to the U.S. The band's participation was the first time a U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band marched with more than 5,000 Belarusian armed forces and Russian soldiers to commemorate the shared sacrifices of the World War II Allies and the end of hostilities 70 years ago. MINSK, Belarus (AFNS) - In a show of solidarity, U.S., Belarusian and Russian military forces set aside politics May 9 to honor World War II veterans during a Victory Day Parade in Minsk, Belarus. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
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