February 23 marks the holiday of those who have served or are still serving in the Russian Army and Air Force. This significant date is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in other states: Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, etc.
What is the Russian Armed Forces?
Immediately before proceeding to the description of such a holiday as the day of the Russian Army, it is necessary to clarify what the term itself means. This is the state military organization of our country. It is intended for:
- to repel aggression against the country;
- for the armed defense of the territorial integrity and inviolability of the country's territories;
- to carry out tasks of international importance in accordance with treaties.
What is the Navy?
This is a branch of the RF Armed Forces. Its purpose is as follows:
- Fighting at sea and in the ocean.
- Military protection of their maritime traffic and the interests of the country.
The Russian Navy is capable of:
- Destroy enemy military groups at sea and bases.
- Disrupt enemy sea communications.
- Inflict nuclear strikes on enemy targets on land.
- All kinds of assistance to ground forces etc.
As can be seen from the above, the army and navy are closely interconnected. Sailors and soldiers, ensigns and midshipmen, officers, generals and admirals… Russian Army Day is their holiday. The current generation should say thank you for a quiet life and a peaceful sky above their heads and be grateful to those who fought for their homeland in those years.
Modern Russian Army
It is rightfully considered that the Russian Army is the strongest in the world. According to one of the magazines, the armed forces of our country, in terms of a set of parameters, occupy an honorable second place in terms of combat power after America. The Russian army surpasses all the world's armies in terms of the number of tanks and nuclear weapons. The mobilization resource of the RF Army is estimated at 69 million people. The percentage of staffing of our Armed Forces for the spring of 2015 is only 82%, that is, the shortage of military personnel is relatively small - about 200 thousand people.
The modern Armed Forces of Russia were created on May 7, 1992 on the basis of the former Armed Forces of the USSR. At that time, the number of Army personnel was about 2,900,000 people. The staffing of the Russian Federation at that time is established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation.
The Armed Forces or the Russian Army currently havethe world's largest stockpile of weapons of mass destruction.
History of the creation of the Russian Army
January 15, 1918 (28th according to the old calendar) V. I. Lenin signed a decree on the organization of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army. After the Red Workers 'and Peasants' Fleet was created. On February 22 of the same year, during the offensive of German imperialism, a decree was published. It sounded like "The Socialist Fatherland is in danger".
February 23, 1918 in large cities of Russia, such as Petrograd, Moscow, the rallies were massive. On them, the working masses were called upon to stand up for the defense of the Soviet state. This date was marked by the mass entry of volunteers into the ranks of the Red Army. Also, this day was the beginning of the broad formation of its detachments and units.
23 February is the Day of the Russian Army and Navy. Previously, it was the day of the Red Army (until 1946), then it became the date of the Soviet troops. This holiday is celebrated in honor of the numerous rise of the Soviet people to defend the country of the Soviets and the courageous resistance of the ranks of the Red Army to the enemies.
During their formation, the Russian troops became much stronger, they had nothing to do with either the whole armada of interventionists or their accomplices. It was the Red Army that was able to win the Civil War. The secret of all victories is the high morale of the people. Soldiers and officers guarded the peace of their fellow citizens, and during trials went on the attack for the sake of the future and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
DayDefenders of the Fatherland
It was on February 23, 1918 that the Red Army received its baptism of fire near Narva and Pskov. Therefore, Defender of the Fatherland Day (formerly Russian Army Day) - is the well-deserved main holiday of the Russian Federation. This does not mean at all that February 23 is a symbol of Russian militancy. This is a tribute to those who defended the peace, freedom and independence of their homeland.
Heroism of the Russian Army
During the war, the Soviet Union, thanks to its Armed Forces, remained the winner in a deadly battle with world fascism. The Red Banner of Russia was raised under the defeated Reichstag. Compiled songs and poems for the Day of the Russian Army, which glorify the heroic deeds of the defenders of the Fatherland.
During the Second World War in 1941-45. twenty-six soldiers of the then Red Army repeated the same feat of fighter pilot A. Maresyev. During the war years, soldiers and officers made about 600 air, 16 sea and 160 tank rams. Throughout the war, not a single ship, not a single submarine lowered its flag in front of the enemies. They were strong in spirit and were not afraid of the enemy. No army of other states has known and still does not know such mass heroism.
During the years of honoring the defenders of the Fatherland, more than one scenario of the holiday has been written. The Day of the Russian Army is widely celebrated in the Russian state. The exploits, revolutionary and fighting traditions of the peoples and warriors of Russia are captured in numerous films, sculptures, paintings, literary works andothers
February 23rd
Since the beginning of the 2000s, the State Duma of the Russian Federation on February 23 decided that this date is considered a non-working day in Russia. Before this day was ordinary, like everything else. Russian Army Day began to be celebrated as Defender of the Fatherland Day only after the adoption of the law "On the days of military glory (victory days)" in 1995.
Russian Army Day today
Today it is an informal and at the same time folk holiday for all men. Celebrations on February 23 are always the same scenario. Russian Army Day is celebrated by everyone in work collectives, families and companies.
On this day, beautiful women are also congratulated:
- Veterans.
- Military personnel.
Schools celebrate the Day of the Russian Army - the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland. Purpose of this event:
- Formation of a sense of patriotism among schoolchildren.
- Generalization and specifics of knowledge about the Russian Army.
One of the Moscow traditions of this holiday is a solemn ceremony at the Kremlin walls and the laying of wreaths and flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The President arrives in the Alexander Garden, as well as the heads of parliament, heads of political organizations and parties, military leaders, etc. After a minute of silence, the anthem of the Russian Federation is played. Then the honor guard company marches through.
Everywhere there are festive events dedicated to this significant date, concerts, rallies. In the evening in all major cities of Russia they giveholiday fireworks. On this day, tribute is paid to the heroism and selflessness of the defenders of our Motherland. For most Russians, Defender of Russia Day is a very significant date. This is stated by about 80% of all people surveyed.
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations to the soldiers and officers of the current Russian Army and retired servicemen. It is you who pay your debt to the Fatherland and are always ready for a selfless struggle for the interests of our people, for their bright future, for children and peace on earth.
