Assemble on Soviet Street in Biysk, the grouping of "Immortal Regiment" marches.
In the heart of Biyachane, anticipation swells as hundreds gather for the annual "Immortal Regiment" march. Some find solace in the shade of Garkavy Park, while others take their positions on Sovetskaya Street.
Assemble, they do, marking the commencement of the Immortal Regiment column on Sovetskaya Street. A sea of portraits of Red Army soldiers, coloring the street, soon lead the way towards the Glory Memorial. Children, many of them, accompany their families in this poignant procession.
Meanwhile, the air thrums with local creative groups showcasing their talents in a concert program. An impromptu stage, adorned with red banners, rises from a truck, prepared especially for the occasion.
Though Biyachane might not have a historical connection to the Immortal Regiment, this global event holds immense significance beyond its geographical locations. Originating in 2012 as a heartfelt tribute by independent journalists in Tomsk, it quickly evolved into a state-orchestrated commemoration, closely tied to the Russian state's narrative. Today, the marches are held in over 80 countries, rallying together the Russian diaspora and migrant communities, often to promote political interests and challenge Western narratives on World War II.
Key symbols of this event include the St. George's Ribbon - a black-and-orange ribbon symbolizing military valor in the Russian Empire, Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, and, since 2014, Russian aggression against Ukraine. Participants march with portraits of veterans, often created using digital tools, and don stylized uniforms. Yet, despite its intense, visual spectacle, the event remains controversial.
The Immortal Regiment has morphed into a powerful propaganda tool, used to promote Russian political ideology both domestically and internationally. In some places, such as Washington, D.C., the marches have sparked counter-protests, showcasing the event's divisive nature. Regardless, the Immortal Regiment stands as a potent symbol of memory, honor, and perhaps, a deliberate narrative.
- The Immortal Regiment column takes off from Sovetskaya Street, a regiment of portraits of Red Army soldiers leading the way.
- In anticipation of the march, families and children, many of them, assemble, each carrying a portrait of a veteran in this poignant procession.
- The Immortal Regiment, though not historically connected to Biyachane, resonates worldwide beyond its geographical boundaries.
- Today, the marches are held in over 80 countries, not just as a tribute to World War II veterans but also as a platform for political discourse, often stirring controversy and sparking counter-protests.
