“We have special feelings for the white, blue and red flag; it is our official national flag, which was instituted as such by Peter the Great. The tricolour was hoisted over our country again on August 22, 1991. We have overcome many hardships and ordeals with this flag flying overhead, but in essence we have restored the sovereignty of our country. Russia is a one thousand year old country and civilization. Our national flag is a symbol of our unity. I believe that the national flag will always inspire us to move forward, to victory, and to assert the glory of Russia,” the President said in a congratulatory message…
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/72081
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