Celebrating Peter the Great's Birthday – founder of St. Petersburg
Since choosing the United States as the country I wanted to live in, I have never forgotten my roots and origin. June 9th is the date of birth for one of the greatest czars of the Russian Empire, Peter I or Peter the Great. Born in 1672 in Moscow, Russia, Peter the Great became a czar at the age of 10. Despite his age, he pushed through extensive reforms to establish Russia as a great nation. Under his reign, Russia experienced an enlightenment-influenced cultural revolution, which made the country known and respected in the world.
Peter the Great holds an undeniable pride amongst all Russian people. In his short lifetime (he lived only 53 years), he made the impossible, possible. He opened doors to Europe for Russia by establishing the cultural capitol of the Russian Empire – my dear hometown of St. Petersburg – in 1703. His accomplishments and progressiveness, for his age and time, deserve recognition and great respect. Russia would not be what it is today if not for Peter the Great’s hard work. Happy Birthday to the czar of all czars!
