Putin hails 'love of fatherland' as nation marks day of Russia

President Vladimir Putin presided over an elaborate awards ceremony and government-backed youth parties staged music and dance concerts today as Russia marked an independence holiday recast by the Kremlin as a celebration of Russia itself.

Speaking from a lavish Kremlin hall in front of top government, cultural and religious leaders, Putin presented medals to a group of scientists, writers and artists and called for greater efforts to promote patriotism in Russia.