In Photos: Russian Communists Organize Red Square Induction for Young Pioneers
Thousands of schoolchildren gathered on Red Square wearing red hats and neckerchiefs Sunday as Russia's Communist Party inducted new members of the Pioneers, the party's youth organization during the U.S.S.R.
In an opening address, Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov thanked parents and teachers for their loyalty to the “glorious traditions of the great Soviet era.”
While the Young Pioneers was dissolved when the Soviet Union collapsed, Russian lawmakers last year approved the creation of a new, modern-day youth movement in the style of the Soviet-era organization.
The move came as Russian authorities seek to inculcate values of patriotism and boost a feeling of national pride among the country’s children.
Here's a look at Sunday's event:
In an opening address, Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov thanked parents and teachers for their loyalty to the “glorious traditions of the great Soviet era.”
While the Young Pioneers was dissolved when the Soviet Union collapsed, Russian lawmakers last year approved the creation of a new, modern-day youth movement in the style of the Soviet-era organization.
The move came as Russian authorities seek to inculcate values of patriotism and boost a feeling of national pride among the country’s children.
Here's a look at Sunday's event:
Schoolchildren from Moscow, the Moscow region and regions of the Central Federal District took part in Sunday's induction ceremony.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
During the Soviet era, children in the Young Pioneers were required to “build communism, labor for the welfare of the motherland, and prepare to be its defender” in addition to performing tasks that helped their communities.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
The organization was responsible for preparing schoolchildren for membership in the Komsomol, the country's political youth organization for ages 14 to 28 — and later in the Communist Party itself.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
During a performance, a group of children gives the Young Pioneer salute.
"Always Prepared" was the motto of the Soviet Pioneer movement.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
Inductees made an oath of "loyalty to the cause of Lenin and the Communist Party in the service of the Fatherland and the people."
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
Children pose in the signature red caps of the Pioneer movement.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
A young child wears a military cap pinned with a Soviet red star.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
Soviet imagery and symbolism has seen a resurgence since Russia launched its "special military operation" against Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
"From the very first days, the pioneers learned to love and defend their homeland," Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov said at the Red Square event.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
