The key facts

  • On November 4, Putin presented awards and prizes for contributions to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation
  • The president emphasized the role of the year of the unity of the peoples of Russia
  • Earlier, Medvedev congratulated Russians on the holiday

The president's remarks on National Unity Day

On November 4, National Unity Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that every Russian has a small homeland, but there is only one great Fatherland. His words were spoken during a ceremony presenting awards and prizes for contributions to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation, as reported by Gazeta.Ru citing RIA Novosti.

Content of the speech

“People of different nationalities, cultures, and faiths feel an inseparable bond with one another; they know that each of us, of course, has our own small homeland, but there is also one great common Fatherland — and we have only one of it,” the head of state said, as quoted by RIA Novosti. Putin also noted that the year of the unity of the peoples of Russia, currently observed in the country, is meant to underscore the fundamental role of such solidarity.

Context of the holiday

National Unity Day is celebrated in Russia annually on November 4; for many it is primarily an extra day off, but the history of the holiday goes back to the early 17th century — to the liberation of Moscow in 1612 by the militia of Minin and Pozharsky. More about the history of the date and the traditions associated with it can be found in a Gazeta.Ru article. Earlier, Medvedev congratulated the residents of Russia on the holiday.