Penza, 12 June 2012. PenzaNews. A public rally to celebrate the Day of Russia took place in Penza’s Lenin Square on Tuesday, June 12. According to the regional office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, some five thousand people attended the rally. Governor Vasily Bochkarev congratulated residents of the Penza region on the holiday. He noted that today’s Penza is a developing city where jobs for young people are created, and residential houses and cultural and sports facilities are built.

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“Penza is the city of the future. The healthcare system is among the leading in the country. And this became possible particularly due to the development of the educational system. I am proud of my homeland and I have no doubt that you are too,” head of the region said in addressing the audience.

Then Vasily Bochkarev awarded the Governor’s honorary certificates of appreciation to several residents of the region for their many years of hard work.

Chairperson of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region Aleksandr Gulyakov stressed that June 12 marks a great national holiday, the Day of Russia.

“If we want to have a powerful, strong state we must stand together in unity. We must work hard and then our homeland will be the most advanced country. Penza residents have always distinguished themselves by their hard work, ingenuity and wit, and I would like every one of us to never lose these qualities,” the speaker of regional Parliament said.

On behalf of the Legislative Assembly he congratulated the residents of the region on the holiday and wished them success in studies, work and life.

In his turn, head of the city of Penza Ivan Belozertsev noted that on this day millions of Russian citizens have taken to the streets of their cities, districts and villages to celebrate this great holiday.

“Representatives of many nationalities and peoples of Russia live side by side in friendship and work together. Today much is done to develop the economy and the social sector. Russia remains an independent state, and the greatest asset of the country is its people,” head of the city concluded.