National Flag Day in 2012 will be celebrated in the same way as always - on August 22. This is an official holiday established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1714 of August 20, 1994 "On the Day of the State Flag."
The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance - on this day, in 1991, for the first time since 1918, the Russian tricolor was again raised over the White House, replacing the red banner with a hammer and sickle - the state flag of the Soviet Union that had collapsed by that time.
The tricolor cloth as the Russian state "standard" has been the official symbol of Russia since the time of Peter I. In heraldry, each color has its own symbolic meaning. The white stripe of the Russian flag means "Nobility", azure - "Honesty", scarlet - "Courage and generosity." The tricolor officially became the national flag shortly before the revolution, in 1896, during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II.
Traditionally, the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation will be held throughout its territory. Youth clubs, veterans and public organizations involved in patriotic education take part in the festive events. Governors of many regions and, in particular, the head of the Leningrad region, have already congratulated residents on the eve of this holiday, which will be celebrated for several days.
Festive events will be held throughout the country. Thus, young residents of the capital will be able to take part in the work of the Youth Discussion Club "Youth and Patriotism - Origins, Milestones in History, the Future", which will be held from 15:00 on August 22 at the Moscow Museum. In many cities of Russia, it has already become a tradition on this day to unfold three huge panels of the colors of the national flag and carry the resulting tricolor along with the orchestra along the central streets and squares. The gathering of those wishing to take part in such actions is announced through social networks.
As part of the National Flag Day, auto and bicycle races, various promotions and competitive game programs for children and youth, thematic exhibitions are held. They tell about the history of this state symbol in a popular form, various quizzes and competitions are held.
