Tatiana Chmurenko, from Obninsk located just outside of Moscow, said they saw the official part of the holiday but missed out on the fireworks because of the rain.

Maybe in evening see more people and how express their happiness (of the celebration), Chmurenko said.

Other Russians were pleased with what they saw and could relate to Americans more after seeing the ceremony.

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I can correct some of my impressions of America. (After seeing American history) looks more human, normal with tragedies, Ivan Kurila, from Moscow, said. I feel myself maybe more close (to Americans).

Grigory Klyuchev, from Moscow, said after the speakers at the ceremony introduced the Russians, everyone was friendly and asked if they had enjoyed their stay so far.

They made us feel distinguished, Kurila said.

The Russians are here this summer to learn more about the American democratic system through lectures given by the political science and law staff.

It’s been very interesting learning about American political and judicial system, Olga Senjutkina said. They answer our questions.

Scott Hays, faculty advisor of the Sophist Society, said there is a student group meeting on Thursday at 4:30 in Faner 3075 to organize a student talk with the Russians.

Anyone can come to the meeting, Hays said. It is exciting to have the Russians here and it is a great opportunity to hear them speak about what is happening in Russia today.

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