In Irkutsk Region, the traditional car rally dedicated to Russian Flag Day has begun. A convoy of 15 cars with the tricolor left Irkutsk for several cities in the region. In major towns there will be events with ribbons and booklets about the flag's history, and the celebration will end with a big concert in Bratsk. Organizers also recall the history of the Russian tricolor, from the first mentions in the 17th century to the official establishment of Flag Day on August 22.
A traditional car rally dedicated to the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation has started in the capital of the Angara region. A convoy of 15 cars, decorated with the tricolor, set off from Irkutsk to Angarsk, Usolye-Sibirskoye, Cheremkhovo, Bratsk (and the Bratsk district).As part of the car rally, pickets will be held in major cities of the Irkutsk Region, with the distribution of tricolor ribbons and booklets with information about the history of the Russian flag, as well as other festive events. The event will conclude with a large concert in Bratsk.
“The modern history of the Russian tricolor is being written today by our compatriots. Proof of this are the triumphant victories of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Sochi, the achievements of Russian scientists and cultural figures. All of this takes place under the sign of the Russian flag. And the car rally dedicated to the Day of our country’s flag is a good tradition. It is a symbol of patriotism, national unity, and pride in our great power!” noted Irina Sintsova, chair of the Committee on Social and Cultural Legislation of the Legislative Assembly of the Irkutsk Region.
For reference. For the first time, the tricolor flag was raised on the Russian ship Oryol under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in 1667. However, Peter I is considered the lawful “father” of the Russian flag. He issued a decree to fly the white-blue-red flag on merchant ships. The colors of the Russian flag have symbolic meaning: white is peace, purity, innocence, perfection; azure is faith and loyalty, constancy; red is energy, strength, and the blood shed for the Fatherland. In 1994, August 22 was officially declared the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation.
Based on materials from the press service of the Ministry of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region.