Day of Russia is one of the youngest National Holidays of the Russian Federation, which has been celebrated annually on June 12 since 1992. It is the main holiday of our country, which marked the beginning of modern history and the statehood of the Russian Federation. On this day in 1990 the 1st Congress of People’s Deputies of the then RSFSR adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia, which proclaimed the supremacy of the Russian Constitution and its laws.
In 1994, by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, June 12, the Day of the Declaration of State Sovereignty, was declared a state holiday of Russia. The official name “Day of Russia” was fixed for the holiday in 2002.
Exactly one year later, on June 12, 1991, the first democratic presidential elections in Russia were held, in which Boris Yeltsin was elected head of the country by an overwhelming majority of votes. The national elections, held for the first time in the format of free expression of will, can be considered a global historical event and an important step towards building a democratic state.
The Russian Federation has walked a long way since those days to presently become a modern democratic state with a well-developed economy, and a key player in international politics.
This day symbolizes the centuries-old historic path of Russia full of great achievements and victories. It is celebrated with national parades, concerts by famous musicians, kids’ activities, air shows, theatre festivals and fireworks display all across the country. The national award ceremony is one of the major events of these celebrations: annually on June 12, the President of the Russian Federation hands out state awards to the outstanding Russian scientists, artists and social workers for their significant accomplishments in the previous year. These official award presentations are broadly televised and attended by the most influential political figures.
Over the time, the Russian National Day has acquired great importance and profound meaning for Russian citizens and their compatriots abroad.
History has repeatedly shown that the Russian people due to their utmost moral fortitude, stamina and determination successfully passed through all the ordeals and trials.
They have made an enormous contribution to the progress of modern civilization, presented to the world with the greatest cultural monuments and masterpieces, developed the unique engineering, scientific and technological potential and experience, sharing it with the world, especially with developing countries.
Russia has been steadfastly defending its national interests, making dramatic breakthroughs toward a new political, economic and social order, not just adapting to changes, but achieving great success, overcoming difficulties by relying on a foundation of civic and ethnic harmony and bolstering its sovereignty.
Today, Russia has achieved the highest level of funding for research and development since the Soviet times, has built an efficient system of development institutions and has gradually decreased the energy intensity of the Russian economy.
On the world arena, Russia has remained a consistent advocate of promoting international relations based on the principle of equality, indivisible security, supremacy of international law as well as inadmissibility of double standards.
Russia is interested in finding mutually acceptable solutions to all crucial outstanding issues on the international agenda and ready for the political dialogue with all the sides.
Russia Day became a holiday of freedom, civil peace and good consent of all people of the state based on the law and justice. All those who appreciate and understand our common values – pride for the country, desire to work for its prosperity, love for their land, and respect for its history, celebrate it. Thousand-year history and unique heritage, which united many peoples and cultures, evoke a sense of great pride, desire to preserve the independence of the country and its national interests.
On June 12, we traditionally recall Russia’s centuries-long history, the difficult and heroic path of its formation and development, the exploits of our fathers and grandfathers. This is the history of each of us, and it begins with our motherland the present and future of which depend directly on our common work, energy and civic stand. It is an occasion to reflect on our duty to the next generations, on what we have done and what remains to be done to make tomorrow bright and joyful.
Ambassador of Russia in Ethiopia
Mr. Evgeny Terekhin
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 14 /2020
