Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the father of the young guide at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On March 26, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin visited the exposition "Journey Across Russia" at the National Centre RUSSIA, dedicated to the achievements, innovative developments, cultural, natural, and historical landmarks of all federal districts of the country. The President expressed gratitude to the father of the young guide — a student of the School of Young Guides at the National Centre RUSSIA, Varvara, who conducted the tour of the exposition for the President as part of the IV Congress of the Movement of the First. Vladimir Putin highly appreciated the contribution of the father — a participant in the special military operation — to achieving the national goals of Russia and raising the younger generation.

"Right now, at the exposition, one of the guides, a young girl, was telling me about the exposition and mentioned that her father is currently undergoing rehabilitation, but he is actually a participant in the special military operation. To people like the father of this girl, who was telling me about the exposition, to some of those who are here today, our strong, resilient men who love their families, their country, we must be grateful not only for the liberation of Sudzha, but for the protection of Russia, its interests, and our people as a whole. And in the so-called 'new,' but historically our regions, and wherever it may be. Everywhere. And we have many such people. And as a result of the work of the Movement of the First, there will be even more," noted Vladimir Putin.

During the meeting of the supervisory board of the Russian public-and-state movement for children and youth Movement of the First at the National Centre RUSSIA on March 26, Vladimir Putin emphasized that among the educators of the young students of the Movement of the First, experienced mentors are becoming increasingly more frequent, and in various projects of the movement, not only children and teenagers, but also their parents, are actively participating.

"And in this regard, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has joined the work of the movement. I would especially note that among the mentors, there are more and more participants of the special military operation. It is very important that veterans of combat operations, people of different nationalities, ages, and professions, who stood together to defend the Motherland, now stand side by side in the most vital and fundamental endeavor for Russia’s future: the upbringing of children and adolescents. It is essential for young people to see that true heroes – true in every sense of the word – are present among them. To grow and mature by the examples of genuine valor and love for the Motherland is of utmost significance," emphasized Vladimir Putin.

Servicemen who were awarded the title of Hero of Russia also took part in the meeting of the supervisory board on March 26.

"I specifically commend you and your comrades-in-arms for the courage demonstrated in service and for your current role in shaping the younger generation. This year, as everyone is well aware, we mark the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. I know that the participants in the movement care for military memorials and graves, stand honorary guards on commemorative dates, and together with their parents, study the history of their ancestors, great-grandmothers, grandmothers, grandfathers — those who fought, and those who selflessly worked on the home front," said Vladimir Putin.

From March 26 to 28, the IV Congress of the Movement of the First is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event brings together more than 2,000 participants from 89 regions of the country, including teachers, mentors, members of the Coordination Council, Board of Trustees, and Scientific and Methodological Councils of the Movement of the First, representatives of the International Association of Children's Organizations, and honorary guests.

On March 27, the Congress of the Movement of the First will convene, as well as the meeting of the Scientific and Methodological Council of the Movement. Events dedicated to World Theatre Day will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA. On March 28, the Closing Ceremony of the Congress will be held.