Russia Day is an important national holiday of the Russian Federation, celebrated annually on June 12. Until 2002, it was known as the Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia. It is one of the country's "youngest" national holidays. On June 12, 1990, the First Congress of People's Deputies of the RSFSR adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia, proclaiming the supremacy of the Russian Constitution and its laws. By that time, many republics of the USSR had already declared their sovereignty, so this document was adopted in the context of republics gaining independence one after another. An important milestone in strengthening Russian statehood was the adoption of the new name of the country – the Russian Federation (Russia). Incidentally, on June 12, besides "independence," Russia also gained its first President – on this day in 1991, the first ever open national presidential elections were held, won by B.N. Yeltsin. It was he who, by decree No. 1113 dated June 2, 1994, granted June 12 national significance, and the holiday was named – the Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Later, for simplicity, it became known as Independence Day. In 2001, speaking at the Kremlin at the official reception on the occasion of the Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia, the new President of the Russian Federation – V.V. Putin said: "This document marked the beginning of our new history. The history of a democratic state, based on civil liberties and the rule of law. And its main essence is the success, prosperity, and well-being of citizens." Today, Russia Day increasingly takes on patriotic features and becomes a symbol of national unity of the Russian people and a shared responsibility for the present and future of the country. It is a holiday of freedom, civil peace, and mutual agreement of all people based on law and justice. On this day, many ceremonial and festive events and actions take place in all Russian cities, with citizens of all ages participating. National flags are displayed across the country. At the Kremlin, the President of Russia awards the State Prizes of the Russian Federation, and the main celebrations, of course, take place in Moscow's Red Square and conclude with a grand fireworks display in honor of Russia Day.