A holiday for the whole country: what we celebrate on Russia Day
On June 12, 1990, the Congress of People's Deputies of the RSFSR adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty. Soon, the word Russia appeared on the world map again. And this day has become a holiday in our country. The details are in the Izvestia article.
Declaration of Sovereignty
At the First Congress of People's Deputies of Russia, 907 deputies voted "for" the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the country, 13 voted "against", 9 abstained. The chairman's message that the Declaration had been adopted was greeted by a long ovation, which united even irreconcilable opponents. For example, the Declaration, which was prepared mainly by the "team of democrats," was voted for that day by both the leader of the Russian Communists, Ivan Polozkov, and Sergey Baburin, a pochvennik opposed to Yeltsin.
This date can be considered an important starting point in the modern history of the state. At that time, the "parade of sovereignties" began, when the republics of the USSR declared their independence one after another. The declaration did not envisage the collapse of the Soviet Union, which lasted for another year and a half after that day. It was about the need to sign a new union treaty, in which the RSFSR and other republics would gain more independence, primarily economic. With the reasonable implementation of this plan, it would be possible to avoid, for example, such painful problems as the infringement of the rights of Russian-speaking residents of the Baltic republics. In addition, the Declaration emphasized the unity of the "multinational people of Russia" — and this was an important achievement of the legislators. After all, at that time there were many people who wanted to shake the foundations of not only the Soviet Union, but also the Russian Federation. This should not have been allowed, and the deputies representing all regions, territories and autonomous regions of the RSFSR showed maturity and political will 35 years ago, confirming the inviolability of Russia's borders.
The political background of this decision by the Russian deputies was the confrontation between Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin, who in 1990 became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Disillusionment with Gorbachev's ability to carry out sensible reforms and lead the country out of the crisis contributed to the rise in popularity of Yeltsin, who was seen as a more strong-willed administrator, a political realist close to the people. As time has shown, this was largely self-deception. But it is impossible to act and not make mistakes in times of turmoil.
Presidents of the Russian Federation Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin (1931-2007) and the USSR Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev (from left to right)
On the same day, a year later, the first direct national presidential elections were held in our country. However, they elected the president of the RSFSR, which at that time remained a republic within the Soviet Union. But Boris Yeltsin, who won the first round at that time, was the undisputed "ruler of the people's thoughts" in the summer of 1991. Yeltsin ran in tandem with vice-presidential candidate Alexander Rutsky, an Afghan colonel, Hero of the Soviet Union, who led the deputy group Communists for Democracy and was popular in the army. Together, they have gained the trust of the majority of Russian citizens. In addition, it was then that another politician who was able to put forward new, sometimes shocking ideas, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, loudly declared himself throughout the country.
The first new holiday
June 12 officially became a holiday in 1992, although it was declared non-working in 1991. It was the first new, post-Soviet "red day of the calendar." At that time, its official name was the Day of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty. But this formulation turned out to be too long to be clearly fixed in the popular consciousness. Therefore, in everyday life, the Russian holiday began to be called in a foreign manner — "independence Day." This informal formulation was found in the press and on posters at that time, and caused confusion among many citizens. Has Russia ever been a colony of anyone? Most likely, the journalists at that time simply succumbed to the fashion of imitating America.
Independence Day is indeed the main public holiday for the United States. And this is quite fair, because before that, the United States was politically and economically dependent on the British crown. But Russia has a different historical path. And in 2002, the short and succinct name of the holiday was fixed — Russia Day. It got an additional meaning. Now we associate it not only with the events of 1990, but also with patriotic feelings that are connected with the entire history of our country.
Holiday traditions
New rituals and customs have been formed around Russia Day, which have become familiar and important in recent years. The most important ceremony related to June 12 is the awarding of the State Prizes of Russia and the presentation of the golden stars of the Heroes of Labor. On this festive day, in the old Kremlin hall, the president presents awards to scientists, writers, and artists who have reached the heights in their vocation, service, and creativity. This ceremony has been held with special solemnity since 2004.
The list of recipients on Russia Day is impressive. Over the years, it has included outstanding personalities and true professionals from different generations. To name just a few of them. These are Sergei Gauthier, director of the Shumakov Transplant Center, Alice Freundlich, People's Artist of the USSR, Valentina Tereshkova, the world's first female cosmonaut, pianist Denis Matsuev, violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov, physicist Gennady Krasnikov, and historian Alexander Chubaryan. Each of them is a leader in their profession. And some who have passed away in recent years, we rightly call great. Their names are on the pages of textbooks. These are choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, philologist Andrey Zaliznyak, mathematician Vladimir Arnold.
Revived in 2013, the title of Hero of Labor unites academics and grain growers, entrepreneurs and workers — those who deserve a Gold Star. It is impossible to imagine Russia without them.
Many people also remember another festive tradition. On this day, 14-year-old schoolchildren, who have particularly distinguished themselves in studies, creativity or sports, receive their first passport in a solemn atmosphere from the hands of the best people in the region. This is happening in all regions of our country, in accordance with the program "We are citizens of Russia!"
Celebration of Involvement
On Russia Day, everyone can see how important the centuries-old historical continuity is for us. Of course, during this time, the borders of the country and its political system have changed more than once. The historical path of a great power is always dramatic: victories alternated with defeats, the heyday with the years of troubles. But after all the trials, even the most severe, Russia was reborn — and became stronger. In both difficult and triumphant years, unity and unity of the people helped. Our country has not lost these qualities even today, when we see the former unity of the front and rear — those who fight on THEIR own and those who work for victory.
Modern Russia has proved its viability and solidity, having outlined its historical task of combining all the best that has been accumulated over previous times and creating a new one. And sovereignty, which was mentioned in the 1990 Declaration, is not empty words for us, but a value that Russia is ready to defend. "This state holiday marks the continuity of centuries—old history, the greatness and glory of the Fatherland, confirms the unity of our multinational people, our devotion to our country, and a warm, sincere attitude towards our beloved Homeland," President Vladimir Putin defined the essence of Russia Day.
Russia Day reminds us of the historical lessons of the last troubled times, and we understand more clearly the value of sovereignty and stable development, which our country has embarked on in the 21st century. This is a celebration of those who believe in Russia, respect its past, hope for the future, and realize that the country is primarily its citizens and compatriots. This means that this is a holiday for all those who live in Russia, consider our country to be their native country, cannot imagine themselves without a Fatherland and only associate their future with it.
The author is the deputy editor—in-chief of the magazine "Historian"
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