23th of February “Fatherland day”

Holidays, Kouvola

Defender of the “Fatherland Day” is a holiday celebrated annually on 23th of February in Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and others. In the USSR, this holiday was celebrated as the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. It was installed in the RSFSR on 27th of January in 1922.  23th of February was a working day for all Soviet citizens, with the exception of the military.

Every year, large-scale events are held, timed to this holiday, such as: an exhibition of military equipment, a festive concert, a military-historical dictation and solemn ceremony of laying flowers at the monuments of Soviet soldiers of the liberators.

Congratulations on this day, accept professional military (regardless of gender), everyone who was somehow related to the army, especially veterans of the Great Patriotic War (also regardless of gender), holiday of all Russian male citizens including boys, soldiers who have completed military service or are now in stock.

By tradition, everything begins with a solemn ceremony at the walls of the Kremlin, the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After a minute of silence, the national anthem is played, then a company of honour guard marches in a solemn march. The broadcast can be seen on TV. In all cities of Russia and countries that also celebrate this holiday, wreaths and flowers are laid at the graves and monuments of the soldiers of the defenders of the Motherland, a minute of silence and a hymn is played. Then, in all cities, mass festivities begin, you can also taste treats from the field kitchen, listen to a festive concert dedicated to the Defender of the «Fatherland Day». In the evening, the sky is painted with festive fireworks.

In the schools, children conduct a thematic lesson dedicated to 23th of February and give small symbolic gifts to boys and male teachers. Most often, it is customary to give small themed souvenirs and treats. In families, festive tables are laid, boys are given symbolic gifts, and prominent military relatives are remembered. On this day, it is customary to go to themed military museums, make field trips, for example, to a shooting club, or go through a military quest in the open air with the whole family, and much more.

On my own behalf, I would like to congratulate all men, boys, servicemen, soldiers who defend our Motherland on the upcoming holiday! I wish you good health, happiness, courage, nobility, fortitude and dexterity!