Yesterday, on his 90th Birthday, Mikhail Kalashnikov was named “Hero of the Russian Federation“. This award is the highest that can be bestowed on an individual by the Russian president. Kalashnikov has previously twice been awarded Hero of Socialist Labor that, which along with Hero of the Soviet Union, was replaced by Hero of the Russian Federation in 1992.

The Associated Press reports:

“Age is not significant. I have plenty of life left in me. But still, this is a special date and it needs to be celebrated,” the white-haired inventor said in remarks broadcast on Russian television.

Kalashnikov, whose tie was decorated with a metal pin shaped like an AK-47, smiled and read patriotic poetry to journalists in Izhevsk, his hometown located 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) east of Moscow.

A fine award for a great man.

Many thanks to Morten for the link.