Following the National Awards ceremony, a reception was held
on the Kremlin’s Ivanovskaya Square for the national
holiday, Russia Day.
June 12,
2017
14:30
The Kremlin,
Moscow
1 of 2
President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Kremlin’s Ivanovskaya
Square before a reception for the national holiday, Russia Day.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Dear friends, colleagues,
ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to congratulate you on Russia Day. This
holiday marks the centuries-old, uninterrupted path of our
Fatherland; our achievements and victories; the pivotal, breakthrough
stages and the unending progress to new heights
of development. The main credit for the renewal
of the country, the strengthening of the state, always
goes to its citizens, their work, unity and devotion
to the Fatherland. We know this, and not just from history.
The sweeping transformations of the 90s changed
the lives of modern generations. We ourselves lived through this
difficult, dramatic period. The radical changes affected all branches
and levels of government, economic and social relations. Changes
of this scale and depth always have varied consequences. Russia, our
people have not only lived through a rapid leap forward to a new
life – and this is something without which development would be
impossible – but also through extremely dangerous, alarming times when
statehood was weakened, and the foundations of society were eroding
and vulnerable.
However, all of these difficulties were overcome. Year
by year, as democratic institutions developed and society opened
up, there was a growing understanding of the importance
of our roots and traditions, a growing realisation that progress
can be made only in a strong, independent country and that
the state’s power is derived from political stability, common goals
and the consolidation of society.
Together, we were able to preserve the unique diversity
of the Russian people, prevent the obliteration
and devaluation of the principles of citizenship
and patriotism, secure the sovereignty of our country,
and clearly define the national interests of Russia. We learnt
how to stand up for them, relying, among other things,
on historical experience. And this coherent understanding
of Russia is our most important possession.
The outstanding achievements of the National Award
winners are a shining example of devotion and respect
for the Fatherland. Once again, from the bottom
of my heart I would like to congratulate you
on the high praise that your work in the arts
and sciences has garnered.
Dear Friends,
In order to achieve success in the economy,
in social development, we must understand, hear and respect each
other, cherish what has already been done for the Fatherland
to improve the quality of the people’s lives, their
security. We all need to focus on a positive, creative agenda.
Each of us is able to make our own contribution to strengthening
Russia. This is our duty to the Fatherland, our responsibility
for its present and future.
I would like to propose a toast to a free,
prosperous Russia, to the well-being of its citizens! Happy
Russia Day!
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