2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the 9th of May celebrations in Russia. With losses of between 25 and 30 million lives during the second world war 'Victory Day' is seen as the most sacred of all Russian public holidays and sees Moscow celebrate it's eventual victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 with military parades. The date is 24 hours later than that of the other Allies as the German high command surrendered to the Soviets the day after doing so to the Americans and the British. This year many thousands of veterans from far flung parts of Russia came to Moscow to take part in the commemorations, for many it will be the last time that they make the journey.