Many different countries have a national day, and 12th june is one of the newest. this is the day when the russian people celebrate the beginning of modern russian democracy. on that date in 1990, a document declaring russian state sovereignty was signed by the country’s leaders, marking the start of the ‘new’ state of russia as a nation. 12th june was declared a public holiday in 1994, and three years later someone suggested changing the name of the day, from the original ‘day of signing the declaration of state sovereignty’. this was finally done in 2002, and to this day 12th june is known as ‘russia day’ because it is a national holiday, most banks, schools and public offices are closed. public transport still runs, but with reduced timetables in most places. the russian flag is flown and the two-headed eagle, the symbol of the russian federation, is displayed everywhere. as you would expect, the state puts on a magnificent display, and around the country various official events take place to celebrate the day.

in the capital, moscow, there’s a big parade through the streets, and sporting events often take place outside the kremlin. the president of russia addresses the nation and takes the opportunity to present medals and awards to important and famous people in the arts and sciences.perhaps because it is such a new national holiday, some people are a little confused how it should be celebrated. musical events and firework displays are common across the country. some people take advantage of the day to celebrate their cultural heritage by dressing in traditional clothes and demonstrating the traditional dances of the various regions. a more modern way of celebrating may include attending pop concerts or going for a picnic in the countryside. environmentalists have sometimes used the day to draw attention to green issues while still expressing their national pride.

some russian communities abroad also celebrate the day. for example, in 2012 a formal dinner in chicago, usa was attended by various vips representing both america and russia, and included a speech given by the russian ambassador to the us. russian classical music was performed and the dinner featured traditional russian dishes, while soldiers from both countries were honoured. this celebrated russia day and helped to bring russians and americans closer together.

despite this variety of focus, the true meaning of the day is clear. no matter how people celebrate on 12th june, they are celebrating the relationship of a country to its past, present, and future, and – above all – its people.

1) no other country celebrates a national day on 12th june.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

2) in 2002, ‘russia day’ was on a saturday.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

3) buses and trains operate as usual in most places on 12th june.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

4) on 12th june, the russian president gives a speech at midday.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

5) there are only a few firework displays on 12th june.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

6) some people in other countries also celebrate russia day.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

7) the dinner in 2012 helped make some people become better friends.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

8) people celebrated russia day more in the past than they do now.

1. true
2. false
3. not stated

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