https://imperialhouse.ru/en/allnews-en/news/2020-07-26-an-awards-ceremony-for-the-members-of-the-crew-of-the-frigate-yaroslav-the-wise-which-is-under-the-patronage-of-the-head-of-the-imperial-house-of-russia-h-i-h-the-grand-duchess-maria-of-russia.html#sigProId8bebf0b34b
26 July 2020, Navy Day—the national holiday of the Russian Navy—was celebrated across the country, including at the Russian naval base in the city of Baltiysk (in Kaliningrad Region).
On this day the officers and crew of the Frigate Yaroslav the Wise were visited by K. K. Nemirovich-Danchenko, the adviser for relations with social organizations and government agencies in the Chancellery of the Head of the Imperial House of Russia, H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia. The Yaroslav the Wise has been under the patronage of the Grand Duchess since 2012.
After their participation in the events celebrating this important holiday, the crew of the Yaroslav the Wise assembled in formation for an address by the captain, Captain Second-Rank N. A. Navolotskii. In his speech to the officers and crew, Captain Navolotskii described the history of the ship, its close relationship with the Imperial House, and the significance of the Grand Duchess’s patronage to all who serve on the ship. Then K. K. Nemirovich-Danchenko read the text of a letter from the H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, congratulating the officers and crew on this important national holiday.
An investiture ceremony immediately followed, during which K. K. Nemirovich-Danchenko, in the Grand Duchess’s name, presented awards to the officers, midshipmen, and crew of the Yaroslav the Wise, including the Imperial Order of St. Anna and the Imperial Medal “In Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the House of Romanoff.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, K. K. Nemirovich-Danchenko presented the captain and crew a bronze bust of the ship’s patron, Grand Duchess Maria of Russia. The sculpture is the work of the Distinguished Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan, V. Z. Abdulina, and was commissioned by T. S. Khasanov, the President of the Tatar Nobility Association of St. Petersburg.
On behalf of his crew, Captain Navolotskii thanked the Grand Duchess and her son and heir, H.I.H. The Tsesarevich and Grand Duke George of Russia, for their kindness and unswerving support of the ship and its officers and crew. The captain then asked K. K. Nemirovich-Danchenko to convey special commemorative gifts to Their Imperial Highnesses.
Here follows the text of the Letter from H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia to the officers and crew of the Yaroslav the Wise:
FROM THE HEAD OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSE OF RUSSIA
H.I.H. THE GRAND DUCHESS MARIA OF RUSSIA
To the officers and crew of the frigate Yaroslav the Wise
Dear sailors, petty officers, midshipmen, and officers of the Yaroslav the Wise,
I extend to you all my heartfelt congratulations on our national holiday celebrating our navy. The crew of the Yaroslav the Wise offer a shining example of patriotism, devotion to duty, strict discipline, deep knowledge of maritime affairs and seamanship. Your service on this ship is an important part of our nation’s defense capabilities.
I wish you and all your families and friends good health, good fortune, and God’s help in all your endeavors.
[The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand:]
MARIA
Madrid, 13/26 July 2020