Penza, 18 March 2015. PenzaNews. Over 5 thousand Penza residents took part in a public event dedicated to the first anniversary of the reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia. The event was held on Lenin square on Wednesday evening, March 18.

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Some of the townspeople carried banners saying “We are for Putin,” “Crimea, we are with you,” “Together Forever,” “Fascism shall not pass,” “One country, one people,” and others.

After the anthem of the Russian Federation, Sergei Kazakov, Honored Artist of Russia, artistic director of the Penza Lunacharsky Regional Drama Theater, who is also a confidant of the Russian president, addressed the gathering.

“The phrase ‘Crimea is ours!’ is already a historical one, which carries a lot of meaning,” he said.

According to him, the past year opened new opportunities for the Russians.

“Look how everything has changed during this year. Believe me, these are not empty words. Just recently, in autumn, Penza welcomed the Crimean theater – for the first time as one from Russia. This is actually a historic event,” Sergei Kazakov said.

He added that from conversations with colleagues he realized how happy and grateful they are to the citizens of Russia.

“I once again made sure that any historical event depends on us, on our voices,” stressed the Honored Artist of Russia.

The gathered were also greeted by Vladimir Kerkhanadzhev, World War II veteran, participant of the Battle for Stalingrad, honorary citizen of Penza; and Vladimir Holzinev, chairman of the regional organization “Russian Union of Afghan Veterans.”

Speeches of famous Penza residents were interspersed with creative performances, such as the song “I love you, Russia” performed by Irken Mustafin, lead singer of the governor’s Symphonic Choir.