Penza, 12 June 2013. PenzaNews. A festive event dedicated to Russia Day was held on Lenin Square in Penza on Wednesday, June 12.

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Welcoming the participants of the meeting, the chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region Ivan Belozertsev noted that Russia Day is a great holiday.

“Throughout its history our country has gone through hard times — there were wars and destruction. But today Russia is developing, it is strong in its regions, and the Penza region makes a great contribution to the social, economic and cultural life of the country,” he said.

The speaker of the regional parliament also stressed that the people of the region must do everything possible to make Russia strong and promote its international image.

“It depends on each of us,” Ivan Belozertsev stressed.

The head of Penza Yuri Alpatov addressed the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, thanking them for defending their homeland.

“I would also like to say a word of appreciation to our glorious youth which show their solidarity with the entire country. We are Russians, and we are proud of it,” he said.

Some other officials of the Penza region spoke after which the residents and visitors of the city enjoyed a festive concert.