The Pridnestrovian state

Each year on the eve of the Moldovan onslaught, Pridnestrovie's young remember those who died in the battles. The youngest generation of Pridnestrovie were born in freedom, knowing only what it is like to live in an independent republic.

The red and green flag waves high as you cross into Pridnestrovie. At this border post on the Ukraine-Pridnestrovie border, a sign in three languages proclaim the full name of our nation.

Civilian citizen groups in Pridnestrovie come together in the face of renewed Moldovan provocations. Determined to overcome and see their country prevail, they speak out with a loud voice for freedom in the face of advertisity.

Contrary to scare propaganda about a so-far-invisible "black hole", Pridnestrovie is actually a country with a strong tradition of upholding the rule of law. In this photo, one of the nation's customs officers searches a suspect vehicle to catch smugglers in the act.

The red and green standard of Pridnestrovie holds a special place in the heart of the country's citizens: Many died defending the young nation's independence and right to exist.

Searching for drugs ... but not finding any. A female officer from Pridnestrovie's customs patrol has a drug sniffing dog search for narcotics. But despite Moldovan hype to the contrary, Pridnestrovie is not -- and has never been -- a center for drug smuggling.

Pridnestrovie's honor guard display the proud traditions of the young and independent nation. After declaring independence in 1990, Pridnestrovie embarked on a reform program with electoral changes, upholding democracy and spreading freedom to the cross-cultural population of the country.

As you cross into Pridnestrovie from the Ukrainian side of the international border, this is what you first see: Busses in line 1, cars in lane 2 for the border control.

For the population of Pridnestrovie, the red and green is not just recognized but dearly loved. It is a symbol of the young country's independence, and a sign that even if it has to fly alone, it will still fly.