Putin took part in the award ceremony for the Heroes of Russia. The main thing

On December 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremony of awarding the Golden Star medals to the Heroes of Russia. It takes place in the St. George's Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The main thing from the president's speech is in the Izvestia article.

About Heroes of the Fatherland Day

During the Gold Star medal ceremony, Vladimir Putin congratulated Russians on Heroes of the Fatherland Day, stressing that today everyone who defended the freedom and independence of the state at different times is being honored.

"Today, on Heroes of the Fatherland Day, we pay tribute to all our fellow citizens who have performed outstanding deeds for the sake of the country and its future, and have set an example of selfless service to the Motherland and their people with their hard work, deeds, and feats of arms," the head of state said.

He also noted that in the St. George's Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where the ceremony is taking place, "the inviolability of the age-old traditions of military valor is especially keenly felt."

"The names of the knights of the Order of St. George, the Order of Glory, the Heroes of the Soviet Union, and the Heroes of the Russian Federation are forever inscribed in the annals of our country's victories and achievements," Putin said.

"Today is a holiday. But we always remember who makes us celebrate holidays of this kind. Thanks to the people who are here, who are in the audience. Thanks to their parents and their wives," the president said.

About service to the Motherland and ITS participants

The Head of State noted that serving people and the Motherland always gives special meaning to deeds and deeds.

"Dear friends, every heroic deed has a solid foundation of values, noble intentions, indomitable will, and loyalty to one's duty and principles," Putin added.

He also noted that all Russians are united by their admiration for the feat of the heroes of the special military operation.

"We are united by pride for our Homeland, for the achievements and victories of our ancestors. In different historical epochs, they defended the sovereignty of the state and the freedom of our people, fought for the right to independently determine their own destiny, did everything to ensure that the country was strong, could only move forward, open new horizons of development and confidently look to the future," Putin said.

Vladimir Putin noted during the ceremony that those who committed heroic deeds share a willingness to put the interests of the Motherland above all else.

"Warriors, soldiers and officers, employees of special services and law enforcement agencies, pioneers, patrons of space, pilots, polar explorers, doctors, that is, representatives of peaceful professions who have committed heroic deeds, they all share a willingness to put the interests of the motherland above all else. Their lives are a visible embodiment of the character, the spirit of our people, and their inexhaustible strength," the president said.

He also added that the soldiers fighting on the front line at the front have become more acutely aware of the blood connection with their ancestors.

"Now, in a difficult time for our country, we are once again convinced of how strong the traditions of military glory are, with what dignity our contemporaries continue them, including very young people, very young guys, fighters fighting on the front line. From personal communication, I know that at the front they have become much more acutely aware of the spiritual, blood connection with their grandfathers and great—grandfathers, as they have never felt before this continuity and their responsibility for the legacy of their ancestors," said the Russian president.

The Head of State also said that Russia's strength and its victories lie in historical correctness.

"Glory and eternal memory to all our fallen comrades," the head of state said.

Vladimir Putin separately noted the dedication with which employees of the Russian military-industrial complex work.

"It's the dedication with which the teams of the military-industrial complex and employees of many other fields work, who contribute to the strengthening of Russia, its well—being and prosperity with their daily work," he said.

About the reward

Vladimir Putin indicated that awards will be presented today to military personnel awarded the title of Hero of Russia, one of them posthumously.

"They have shown exceptional courage and valor while carrying out tasks in the special military operation zone. In the most difficult combat conditions, they showed the highest professionalism, iron character, and the ability to lead," the president said.