National Russia Day - 23 and counting!
Published:Friday | June 14, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writer
Dignitaries, delegates, politicians, corporate well-wishers, and Russians all turned out in their numbers to commemorate the annual National Russia Day at Terra Nova Hotel on Tuesday.
This important day in history began June 12, 1990, in Russia. Originally called the Day of Signing the Declaration of State Sovereignty, the date symbolises a significant step in the termination of the Soviet Union. The day became a public holiday for the Russians in 1994. The name of the national holiday was later changed to Russia Day in 2002.
As Russia celebrated its 23rd anniversary, Jamaica celebrated the national holiday here in fine style, paying homage to an enriched country they share remarkably close relations with.
The packed Venetian ballroom, brightly lit and elegantly furnished, hosted well-dressed gatherers who looked on attentively as some delivered speeches with bated breath about beaming Russian national pride.
Russia was described as a country symbolic of tremendous transformation, and mention was made of the immense support Russia has received from Jamaica and reciprocal nature of that support system.
The fusion of the diverse cultures was also highlighted, as well as hopes of continuity in strengthening the diplomatic relationship between Russia and Jamaica.
Guests, subsequent to the speeches, mingled and dined to the soothing sounds of the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica.