20,000 attend Gagarin anniversary celebration in Smelovka

12.04.2001 08:22

The celebration in Smelovka, a village in Saratov region where Yury Gagarin's descent vehicle landed 40 years ago, has attracted more than 20,000 people. Among guests attending the celebration are 30 astronauts from Russia and abroad, the Mongolian defence minister, the Czech ambassador, members of the Saratov region government and other prominent figures. Twice Hero of the Soviet Union pilot cosmonaut Pavel Popovich has presented Saratov Governor Dmitry Ayatskov with a jubilee medal minted on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Yury Gagarin's space flight. The festive program included an air show performed by the Vyazma aerobatics group Rus and the opening of the second Gagarinskoye Pole cross-country championship, with Russia's best auto racers taking part.

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