The message reads, in part:
“This holiday is a tribute to outstanding achievements by people of very different professions who committed their lives to exploring the Arctic and Antarctic. Many generations of courageous, spirited people – scientists, geologists, sailors and pilots – selflessly served their Fatherland, glorifying our country as a great polar nation.
It is important that you continue your predecessors’ wonderful traditions with honour, increase Russia’s presence on the white continent and in the Arctic latitudes, and actively engage in studying those promising regions. Your contribution to strengthening international cooperation and to the implementation of joint projects aimed at preserving the unique natural resources of the Arctic and Antarctic is certainly of great value. This work bears special significance this year which has been declared Year of the Environment.”
Polar Explorer’s Day is marked in Russia on May 21 to commemorate the launch of the world’s first drifting research station North Pole 1 on May 21, 1937. The station collected research data unparalleled for that time, providing access for the first time in history to reliable data on the environment of the North Pole and the processes underway there.