Medvedev to give reception in Kremlin on Unity Day

MOSCOW, November 4 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on
National Unity Day on Thursday will present state awards to foreign
nationals for their great contribution to strengthening friendship,
cooperation and cultural relations with Russia. Press secretary of the
head of state Natalya Timakova told journalists that the president
traditionally this ceremony on November 4 and gives a reception in the
Kremlin.
Medvedev regards National Unity Day although the youngest, but one of
the most important Russian public holidays, which is instituted in tribute
to the heroic history of Russia and in memory of the fateful deed of the
people. Almost four centuries ago, people of different classes,
nationalities and faiths supported the call for unification of Kuzma Minin
and Dmitry Pozharsky and liberated Moscow from foreign invaders.
According to the president, it is during this period that "the unity of the people saved the country from internal strife and external influence of external danger, freed it from the scourge of troubled times and prevented the collapse of the state, determined the historical fate of Russia as a strong and influential power."
The head of state is certain that the citizens of Russia today - are "truly one nation, which is able to overcome the biggest problems."