News agency "Res" carried out an opinion poll among the public of the Republic of South Ossetia. The respondents were asked:
What does the Day of Russia mean for you?
State Councilor to the RSO President Zhanna Zasseeva:
The Day of Russia for me is the Day of my Fatherland, the day of my childhood and youth. This is the day of the Russian mothers who speak sadly about Ossetia, because their sons fell on the field of battle, protecting the children and the elderly, the Fatherland. At the same time, it is a holiday of my life, because I cannot imagine my life without Russia.
First Secretary of the Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth Union of South Ossetia Jana Tedeeva:
The Day of Russia is not a simple holiday. On the one hand, June 12 Russia proclaimed its independence, on the other hand - this is the collapse of the Soviet Union. For us, the Day of Russia is equal to our national holidays, as South Ossetians associate Russia with peace, freedom, independence and the possibility to create. Russian Federation - is not just a Russian flag next to the Ossetian one, not only the Russian language - as the second state language in our Republic, but it is primarily a fraternal spirit that binds us for centuries.
Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of South Ossetia, a Chairman of the political council of the party "Unity" Zurab Kokoev:
Russia is celebrating a great holiday today - the Day of Russia. This holiday is young; it is celebrated since the 90-ies of the XX century.
June 12 - is a celebration of freedom, a symbol of national unity and joint responsibility for the future of Russia. This year, August 26, we will mark the fifth anniversary of Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia. To date, the adult residents of South Ossetia are Russian citizens - accordingly, this national holiday is also celebrated in our Republic. As long as we continue to celebrate this day, our country will live in peace and tranquility. Our children will look ahead confidently and old people will live with a sense of being protected. I congratulate all the residents of the Republic on this beautiful holiday - the Day of Russia.
Marina Kabulova - a resident of Tskhinval, a young mother:
The Day of Russia – is a day of the country, which has brought the long-awaited independence to South Ossetia. For me, the two concepts - "the independence of South Ossetia" and "Russia" are intertwined forever. The Day of Russia is a symbol of greatness of the country, its literature, art and science, which are intertwined with national traditions. And, of course, the Day of Russia is a celebration of beauty, generosity, kindness, happiness, and ringing laughter of children.
Lecturer of the Department of Journalism of the South Ossetian State University Bella Mamieva:
For me, a citizen of South Ossetia, the Day of Russia - is primarily a tribute to the Commander in Chief of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. After all, his rise to power is a beginning of a modern history based on civil liberties and the supremacy of law. For me, this holiday is primarily the national unity of our people and a joint responsibility for our common future.
Chairman of the youth wing of the Republican Political Party "Unity" Nina Gatikoeva:
June 12 - this is the Day of Russia, the day of the great and powerful country. This holiday is celebrated in South Ossetia, as this country is our friend and our strategic panther. We are grateful for the support of Russia and on behalf of the youth wing of the RPP "Unity" I would like to wish the citizens of the Russian Federation long years and prosperity.
Chairman of the Youth Association "Sunrise" of the People's Party of South Ossetia Mikhail Kochiev:
The Day of Russia is a patriotic holiday for the Russian citizens residing in the territory of South Ossetia. It is a holiday that unites all nationalities of our great state. The Day of Russia is a day of unity, awareness of our own involvement in the great multinational nation. We may be proud of our country, its history and culture. The strength of mind has helped us to survive in the most difficult periods of history, to overcome hardships. We certainly need such holidays for the state to be strong, powerful and morally healthy....
