US Secretary of State John Kerry addressed Russians with congratulations on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation, the US State Department said today.
"I congratulate the people of Russia as you celebrate your National Day on June 12. Today is an appropriate moment to reflect on the deep connections that exist between the Russian and American cultures – from Balanchine's 'Jewels' to Brodsky's 'Urania', Rostropovich to Tolstaya, Baryshnikov to Rothko," TASS cited the message as saying.
"As we mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, we also honor the tremendous shared sacrifice of those who fought against Nazism, including the millions of Russians who fought in the great battles and the millions who lost their lives," Kerry noted.
"Through the decades, freedom of expression and thought have produced great artistic and intellectual accomplishments that have enriched lives and lifted spirits in both our countries," the Secretary of State stressed.
"This year also marks the 90th anniversary of Vladimir Mayakovsky's epic journey through the United States, memorialized in his 'My Discovery of America'. Mayakovsky's words are a powerful reminder of the importance of people-to-people ties in fostering mutual understanding and respect," Kerry believes.
"On this special day, the United States joins the Russian people in celebrating the many links that bind our two nations; may the citizens of both share in a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future," the diplomat wished.
