http://english.pravda.ru/russia/kremlin/23-02-2007/87703-army-day-0
23.02.2007
Putin publicly reproaches US administration on Russia's Army Day
On February 23 Russia celebrates the unofficial holiday of all men - the
Day of the Defender of the Fatherland. This holiday evolved from its Soviet
predecessor, the Day of the Red Army and Navy. Men's Day was officially
proclaimed a state holiday in 2002. It will soon be followed with a special day
for all women, March 8 - the International Women's Day.
Russia celebrates its army
Russia's top politicians will lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier to pay tribute to all those men who fell defending their native
country. Flowers will be also laid at the monument to Marshal Georgy Zhukov -
the legendary winner of many World War II battles.
President Vladimir Putin congratulated all servicemen, military officials
and war veterans of Russia on the eve of the holiday at a special ceremony in
the Kremlin. "Our army today is first and foremost a community of
professionally trained people of strong will, who realize the importance of the
military profession for our country and society," Putin said. "We must thank
them for all risks which they take during the army service," the
commander-in-chief said.
The president looked back at nation's history, which, as he said, is
filled with "many pages telling stories of courage and heroism displayed by the
country's defenders." "We honor Russian military traditions that were born in
fierce battles for our native land and liberating crusades for independence of
other peoples of the planet. Those traditions became the spiritual core for
both the army and the entire nation. Russia is a peaceful state that treats its
partners with respect. We do not threaten anyone, nor do we harbor any
aggressive plans. However, the significant conflict potential can still be
found in today's world. We may see certain nations ignoring international
rights and using their military power to meet their own interests. This is
happening at the time when terrorism, extremism and the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction poses a real threat to stability in the world. That
is why, security for Russia and its citizens can only be guaranteed by means of
strengthening the national defense potential and having state-of-the-art army"
the Russian president said.
Opinion polls show that most Russians are certain the national armed
forces are capable of defending the country from any aggressor. About 67
percent of the polled share this opinion, the center for national public
opinion studies VCIOM said.
Based on materials of Russian news agencies
Translated by Dmitry Sudakov
Pravda.ru
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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