The Russian flag is flying over the main square of Krasnodar

Today on theatre Square of Krasnodar there was a festive meeting dedicated to the major national symbol of the country. More than three thousand citizens attended the event.

— We come together on the main square of Kuban capital to celebrate National Flag Day. Over years we have already got used to our major national symbol so much that we cannot imagine any significant event without the flag, should it be state holiday, festive occasion or wins of our Olympic heroes. The flag is a symbol which unites all citizens of the country, symbolizes freedom, Great power statehood, believe in the future of our great Motherland, — Acting Head of Krasnodar Alexander Mikheev said while speaking at the meeting.

The meeting was joined by representatives of Krasnodar Region administration, Legislative Assembly deputies, Deputy Heads of Krasnodar, members of the city and regional non-governmental organizations, political parties, Krasnodar regional people’s patriotic non-governmental organization “For Faith, Kuban and Fatherland!”, Krasnodar military garrison, Cossacks of Kuban Cossacks Army.

Krasnodar Region Legislative Assembly deputy, Head of Krasnodar regional people’s patriotic non-governmental organization “For Faith, Kuban and Fatherland!” Nikolay Denisov, Krasnodar City Duma Chairwoman Vera Galushko, Olympic Champion and member of Krasnodar Region Public Chamber Irina Karavaeva and Chairwoman of Krasnodar regional non-governmental organization “Adyghe culture center” Safiet Shamova congratulated citizens on the Day.

— All the patriotic forces, everybody who loves our Motherland, the entire multinational Kuban celebrate the National Flag Day. This is a relatively young holiday, however its roots are deep in the history. Today our national flag is inescapable part of all holidays and ceremonial events, our athletes win under this flag. It represents pride in power and glory of our Fatherland, — Vera Galushko said.

Volunteers — students of the city educational institutions — dispensed three-colour ribbons to all people on the square. Under the marching music representatives of the Honour Guard of Kuban Cossacks Army brought national flag of the Russian Federation to Theatre Square. Under the Russian national anthem the flag was lifted over the square.

— Today all the citizens of the country, especially young people, should know what national symbols indicate. The flag unites people of different nationalities and different confessions and is a symbol of united and powerful country. Today our motto is “Victorious traditions to the XXI century generation”, - Nikolay Denisov emphasized.

The event ended with festive performances given by creative collectives of the city.

The Russian Federation National Flag Day is one of official holidays in Russia, established by the Decree of the RF President and is celebrated on August 22. The Russian tricolour was initially lifted over the first Russian ship “Orel” more than three hundred years ago. Subsequently white-blue-red flag became a national symbol. Each of three colours has its own meaning: white — freedom and independence, blue — faith and spirituality, red — Great power statehood. On August 22, 1991 the flag was reconstituted as historical three-colour flag of Russia.