The Head of the House of Romanoff offers Her Congratulations to the Chief of Military-Heraldric Services of the Russian Armed Forces, Colonel O. V. Kuznetsov, on His Fiftieth Birthday

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

To Colonel O. V. Kuznetsov, Chief of Military-Heraldric Services of the Russian Armed Forces, and Secretary of the Knights’ Council of the Imperial Military Order of St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker:

Dear Oleg Viacheslavovich,

I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your fiftieth birthday.

Over the course of many years, you have worked tirelessly for the revival of the historic symbols of the Russian Armed Forces, successfully blending traditions rooted in the depths of centuries past, with modern forms and conditions. I especially admire your ability to justify in a scholarly way and with necessary tact the need to restore the best elements of the legacy of the Imperial Army and Navy, all the while being sensitive to the feelings of, and preserving a profound respect for, the service and sacrifices of service members who have defended the Fatherland during the Soviet period.

I also wish to express my sincere gratitude for the diligence you show in performing your responsibilities as secretary of the Knights’ Council of the Imperial Military Order of St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker, a post you have filled since the refounding of the Order in 2001.

I wish you health, happiness, and God’s help in your service to the Fatherland. In recognition of your meritorious service, I am pleased to elevate you to the rank of Knight of the Order of St. Anna, second class.

My son and heir, H.I.H. Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich joins me in congratulating you.

With abiding gratitude and support,

(On the original appears the signature of Her Imperial Highness in her own hand.)

Maria

Madrid, 31 October 2010