Our Country Day in 2023
During its short history, this holiday has changed its name several times. Let’s figure out why on June 12 we celebrate Our Country Day in 2023

About half of s do not know which holiday is celebrated on June 12th. Such results from year to year are given by surveys of the Levada Center research organization.

According to this study, only every second person can correctly name the holiday that is celebrated in Our Country on this day. The rest either remember the old names, or confuse Our Country Day with another official holiday, or cannot answer at all.

Which, however, is understandable. During its short history, this holiday has changed its name several times and has been recognized as a state holiday more than once. Therefore, the inhabitants of the country remember either the Day of the adoption of the declaration, or the Independence Day. And many people confuse this holiday with the Constitution Day, which is also celebrated on the 12th, but not June, but December.

Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all: 12 June celebrating the Day of Our Country.

By the way, as in previous years, in 2023, on the occasion of the holiday, s will have one day off. This time, June 12 falls on a Monday, and it will become an additional day off.

How we celebrate and relax on Our Country Day in 2023

The Day of Our Country is considered one of the youngest public holidays in Our Country; it dates back to 1990, when the Declaration of Independence of the country was signed.

And eleven years later, President Vladimir Putin, speaking in the Kremlin at a reception on the occasion of the Day of the Declaration, said:

“The countdown of our new history began with this document. Stories of a democratic state based on civil liberties and the rule of law. And its main meaning is the success, prosperity and well-being of citizens.”.

On June 12, 2023, festive events will be held in all cities of the country. Muscovites on this day are waiting for concerts, free tours, festivals. And, of course, the traditional fireworks on Red Square. Their programs are also planned in other cities.

Another tradition of celebrating the Day of Our Country has become the annual ceremony of awarding by the President of specialists in the field of science and technology, literature and art, as well as in the field of humanitarian activities.

From the history of the Day of Our Country

In fact, by coincidence, June 12 became historical for Our Country twice.

The first time was when, in 1990, the Congress of People’s Deputies of the then RSFSR adopted the Declaration on the state sovereignty of the country. It was then that the supremacy of the Constitution of Our Country and its laws was proclaimed, equal rights were affirmed for all citizens, political parties and public organizations. They also agreed on the principle of separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers.

Exactly one year later, to the same day, the first open nationwide presidential election in the history of the country took place. Then, we recall, Boris Yeltsin won with a margin of 57,3%.

So the day of June 12 became twice significant for Our Country.

Surprisingly, June 12 was also recognized as a public holiday twice.

First, the Supreme Council of the Federation, by its resolution of June 11, 1992, established that “the day the Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted – June 12 – is a public holiday.”

Then, after the autumn events of 1993, the decisions of the Supreme Council became, as it were, illegitimate – and on June 2, 1994, Yeltsin, by his Decree, declared “June 12 a public holiday.”

And some time later, in 1998, it was decided to rename the holiday to the Day of Our Country.

However, this was officially done only in 2002, when the new Labor Code of the Federation came into force. Among other things, it included new holidays and weekends. Among them is the Day of Our Country.

Popular questions and answers

When was Our Country Day celebrated for the first time in the country?

This only happened in 1995. On that day, June 12, a solemn ceremony of presenting state prizes of the Federation was held in the Kremlin. Awarded to scientists, figures of art and literature. Since that year, a tradition has been established: to present state awards on the Day of Our Country.

And in 2003, the holiday first came to Red Square.

How is Our Country Day celebrated in the regions?

Celebrate in all regions and even in small towns. By tradition, concert programs are held on June 12, sports events are timed to coincide with this holiday, and volunteers organize actions. Folk festivities on this day usually last until night, often everyone is waiting for the festive fireworks. 

Some, given that this day (or the weekday following it) is non-working, go out of town or on a short trip.

During the pandemic, when tight restrictions were in place, people celebrated at home. Then the action “Flag of Our Country” was popular in social networks: everyone took pictures of the tricolor and published pictures with a hashtag on their pages. 

How can you use the flag of the Federation so as not to break the law?

On Our Country Day, the tricolor can be found everywhere: on the square, and fluttering from the window of a passing car, and on the counter of a store. And many are wondering: what can and cannot be done with the flag? 

It follows from the legislation that with a clear conscience you can:

• hang out the flag of the house, on the balcony and wall of the residential building;

• place the flag on private vehicles;

• place the tricolor in the office or in the country;

• bring the flag to public events and walk with it along the street;

• be photographed with the flag.

And all actions that show disrespect for the flag are considered illegal. First of all, the tricolor cannot be torn, burned, trampled on or otherwise damaged. For desecration of the flag in our country, they are punished in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Federation.

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