Immortal Regiment: Thousands march to remember WW2 relatives

People hold pictures of World War Two soldiers as they take part in the Immortal Regiment march during the Victory Day celebrations, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in central Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2016Reuters

Tens of thousands of people have marched in Moscow and cities around the world to remember relatives who took part in World War Two.

The so-called Immortal Regiment procession sees people carrying flowers and portraits of loved-ones.

It followed Russia's annual Victory Day parade, which marks the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

People hold pictures of World War Two soldiers as they take part in the Immortal Regiment march during the Victory Day celebrations, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in central Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2016Reuters

Moscow's march was just one of many held in at least 50 countries, Russian media said

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) carries a portrait of his father Vladimir as he takes part in the Immortal Regiment march in Moscow on May 9, 2016AFP/Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin carried a portrait of his father Vladimir during the procession

Russian people carry flags and portraits of relatives who took part in World War Two during a commemorative march titled Immortal Regiment in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2016EPA

The marches started in Siberia in 2012

A woman carries a picture of a World War Two participant as she takes part in the Immortal Regiment march during the Victory Day celebrations, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in central Kiev, Ukraine, May 9, 2016.Reuters

It has now spread well beyond Russia's borders, with thousands marching in Kiev

People hold portraits of their relatives and participants during the Immortal Regiment march in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev on May 9, 2016AFP/Getty Images

Tensions were reported at the Kiev march, where some people wore Russian colours

Kyrgyz military cadets hold portraits of World War Two soldiers as they take part in the Immortal Regiment march in Bishkek on May 9, 2016AFP/Getty Images

Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek also hosted a march...

A woman cries as she takes part in the Immortal Regiment march during the Victory Day celebrations in Riga, Latvia, May 9, 2016. REUTERS/Ints KalninsReuters

As did the Latvian capital Riga, where thousands took part

Participiants hold pictures of WW II soldiers in the Immortal Regiment march during the Victory Day celebration in Riga, Latvia, 09 May 2016. EPA/VALDA KALNINAEPA

Marchers in Riga held up images of the fallen

Members of the initiative the "Immortal Regiment" walk along Strasse des 17. Juni to the Russian monument in Berlin, Germany, 09 May 2016EPA

Berlin's walks took place in the front of the Brandenburg Gate

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