Putin commemorates Gagarin’s space flight

Russian President Vlimir Putin laid flowers Monday at a monument dedicated to cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, cosmonaut who became first person in space 60 years ago.

monument is located at site where Gagarin landed after his first mission, in western Russia's Saratov region.

Commemorative events are taking place all across Russia to mark anniversary.

"We will always be proud that it was our country that lay path to universe, and that pioneer on this path was our fellow countryman," Putin said Monday in a meeting with space officials.

Gagarin's 108-minute mission took Space Age to a new level and marked a historic achievement for Soviet Union, which beat United States in a tight race to launch a man beyond Earth's atmosphere.

For Soviet people, Gagarin's spaceflight was a triumph comparable to victory over Germans in World War II.

It has remained a source of national pride since April 12, 1961, a symbol of country's bravery and technological prowess.

Putin ded that Russia must preserve its status as a leing space power in 21st century.