August second is a Airborne Storm Troopers day in Russia. Special forces veterans flock into Russian cities dress into their iconic striped shirts and blue berets and have fun. Here is how it was yesterday in Moscow, as on photos of Moscow blogger Evgeny:
Veterans of different ages come to have fun. Their traditional main activity is bathing in the fountains.
Young and old – this is a brotherhood.
Some are really seasoned vets.
And no matter Ukraine, Belarus, Russia or Tajikistan – they come to Moscow because it was one country before and one VDV – this is their forces abbreviation.
Many got the tattoos on their shoulder with the name of their regiment and the year of discharge.
This got Ukrainian flag colors but no matter he is still in Moscow.
“Nobody but us” is their official slogan.
Most fit, tall and healthy recruits go to these forces.
So even many years later they are still mostly strong and able.
Russian bear is their favorite symbol too.
Young men, recently discharged, also visit those events.
On these days migrant workers from South try to close their shops and don’t go outside. It’s advised for them to stay home, because many accidents happened when they were beaten.
This time there were not many accidents reported, however one soldier has beaten a reporter on live TV for him responding too rude, here is the video, wait for it:
The soldiers have their own cult music band that has a hit track about blue berets. They want to hear it every year, and here they are again, playing it live. Here is a video with the song:
Some have their own mascots.
Women are invited too sometimes if they are wives or girlfriends of a veteran.
Little by little all the crown usually gets very drunk.
The cult band, they also served in these forces.
Some women dress up to match their men.
And kids get their striped shirts as well.
This old man served in Lithuania back in 1963. Tries to find any mates.
Page and 5th picture down. The look of total sadness. Thank you for your service gentlemen.