On 12 June, our country celebrates the holiday of our statehood – the Day of Russia. This day is one of the “youngest” holidays of the country. On 12 June 1990, the first Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian SFSR adopted the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russia declaring the supremacy of the Russian Constitution and laws.

That was the day our country gained its new official name – the Russian Federation (Russia). And it was also 12 June when Russia gained its first President: on that day in 1991 the first open national presidential election in the country’s history was held. Boris Yeltsyn won the election. It was he who granted 12 June the state significant by his decree in 1994. The holiday was named the Day of Adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russia. Later, it was called the Day of Independence.

The present official name was given to the holiday on 1 February 2002, when the new Labour Code’s provisions came into legal force. However, a year before, President of Russia Vladimir Putin said, “That document marked the beginning of our new history, the history of a democratic state based on civil freedoms and the rule of law. Its main purpose is the success, prosperity and well-being of Russian citizens.”

The Day of Russia has become the celebration of freedom, civil peace and kind accord of all people. Today, it has acquired patriotic perception and become the symbol of national solidarity and common responsibility for the present and the future of our Fatherland. It is the day when the President of Russia presents the Russian Federation National Awards. The main celebrations take place on the Red Square in Moscow and are completed with a grand salute.

Congratulations, dear friends!

Peace and prosperity to your families!