First the 12th of June was (0) introduced as "Independence Day" but most people didn't like the name. Later it was (1) __________ as the Day of Russia into the list of the national holidays. But when asked only 16 % of people are ready to (2) __________ it. And more people want a holiday that can (3) __________ the nation, the day when people can get together and listen to the President's (4) __________ on the occasion of the national holiday, watch the march of the presidential (5) __________ and enjoy the colourful (6) __________. The nation needs the day, which can be (7) __________ as the birth of a new democratic Russia. 2. Vocabulary. What can you tell your foreign friends about the Russian Holiday Year? Use the words from the box. The Russian Holiday Year (0) includes old and new holidays. We (1) __________ our customs and traditions and (2) __________ holidays which were (3) __________ during the Soviet period of Russian history, Victory Day, for example. The end of the Second World War is still an important (4) __________ for many people in Russia. In 2005 on the 60th (5) __________ millions of people enjoyed the parade and beautiful (6) __________. More and more people today (7) __________ the tradition of celebrating (8) __________ Christmas or (9) __________. A new holiday was introduced on the 4th of November (the Day of People Unity). It is (10) __________ with Russian history and is thought to