May 28, 2008 Russian border guards soak up their anniversary Play video

(NECN/AP) - Russian border guards celebrated on Wednesday the 90th anniversary of the founding of their service. More than 3,600 police officers and interior troops were monitoring law and order in several parks and public places in Moscow as the guards jumped into fountains and drank alcohol.

"There're no troops better then border troops in Russia," said Alexander, one of the guards. "The Russian spirit is still alive in Russia. We are still strong. We respect our Mother Russia, we got our strength from her," said Stanislav, another guard.

According to tradition, current and former servicemen celebrate Border Guards Day every year in Moscow. Wreath-laying ceremonies and fireworks were scheduled in Moscow on Wednesday . The Russian border service is undergoing a major development of infrastructure along new stretches of the border, including with Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Baltic republics. The development is expected to be finished by 2011.

Information from the Associated Press is included in this report.