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When and why did Defender of the Fatherland Day appear?
When and why did Defender of the Fatherland Day appear?
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We understand the confusing history of the holiday and tell you how to spend it with benefit.

When and why did Defender of the Fatherland Day appear?
When and why did Defender of the Fatherland Day appear?

How did Defender of the Fatherland Day appear?

Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated every year on February 23 in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and several other states that were part of the USSR. Many recognize Towards February 23: a military, patriotic or gender holiday? this holiday is important and necessary, but not everyone can answer what exactly this day is connected with.

When and who suggested celebrating Defender of the Fatherland Day

Perhaps someone from school remembers that February 23 is considered the birthday of the Soviet army. Only this is not entirely true. Decree "On the organization of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army" Lenin signed the Decree on the organization of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army on January 15 (28), 1918. T. I. M., State Publishing House of Political Literature, 1957. a little earlier - January 28, 1918.

At this time, the First World War continued and the German and Austro-Hungarian troops were on the territory of the RSFSR. Recognizing the danger of such a situation for the young state, the Bolsheviks, in parallel with the work on the peace agreement, began to create a regular army. By the end of January 1918, the first corps of the Red Army was formed.

Defender of the Fatherland Day: Commission on the conscription of workers and peasants into the Red Army
Defender of the Fatherland Day: Commission on the conscription of workers and peasants into the Red Army

A year after these events, the party and military leader N. I. Podvoisky proposed to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army. The letter with his idea in the All-Russian Central Executive Committee was considered only on January 23. The management appreciated the idea of Podvoisky, but for the remaining time it was impossible to prepare for large-scale festive events. Therefore, it was decided to combine them Tikhomirov A. V., Smolekha A. V. Defender of the Fatherland Day: the history of the holiday with the "Day of the Red Gift", which was held on February 17. But due to the fact that it fell on Monday, the celebrations were postponed to the next Sunday - February 23rd.

During the Civil War, the holiday was forgotten, and the next time it was celebrated in 1922. A whole week Instruction on holding weeks of assistance to the Red Army and the Navy, helping disabled war veterans and holding the 4th anniversary of the Red Army (minutes of meetings of city commissions, instructions and plans) TsGAIPD SPb. Fund R-16. Inventory 1-9. Case 9317 in all cities of the country, charity gatherings, concerts and performances were held in support of soldiers injured in battles.

The Red Army Day had the status of a public holiday, and the authorities felt the need to associate its date with an important historical event. In 1923, Trotsky, in an order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic, writes [Order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Republic, February 5, 1923, Moscow, No. 279 to the fifth anniversary of the Red Army / C fig. Yu. P. Annenkova. M.: Supreme Military Editorial Council, 1923. that it was on February 23, 1918 that "the government proclaimed the need to create an armed force." And later a version appeared that this day was chosen in memory of the publication of the decree "The socialist fatherland is in danger!", In which the Council of People's Commissars called for the decree "The socialist fatherland is in danger!" workers and peasants to defend the country and the revolution.

In 1938, in the "Short Course on the History of the CPSU (b)", a new explanation was approved. It says that on February 23, the Red Army rebuffed the troops of German imperialism. Now this fact is disputed by some historians. For example, MGIMO professor A. Zubov approves the Day of High Treason? that on this day the Red Army did not win any victories over the Germans - moreover, there were no significant battles at the front.

Thanks to propaganda, this historical inaccuracy was forgotten, and the holiday became one of the main ones in the USSR. In the second half of the 20th century, he replaced V. G. Kokulin, V. Yu. Balabushevich. Holiday on February 23: "New wine in old skins"? / Humanitarian problems of military affairs name and became the Day of the Soviet Army and the Navy.

How the holiday changed after the collapse of the USSR

In 1995, the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 N 32-FZ "On the days of military glory (victory days) in Russia" "On the days of military glory in Russia" was adopted. In it, the Day of the Soviet Army was renamed the Day of the victory of the Red Army over the Kaiser's troops in Germany. Since 2002, the holiday has become Article 112 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation of December 30, 2001 N 197-FZ, a general non-working day, and in 2006 he was given the Federal Law of April 15, 2006 N 48-FZ "On Amendments to Article 1 The Federal Law "On Days of Military Glory and Memorable Dates of Russia" has a shorter and more euphonious name: Defender of the Fatherland Day.

Now, on this day, parades, rallies, concerts and other festive events are held. The head of state traditionally participates in the ceremony of laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.

Defender of the Fatherland Day: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Defender of the Fatherland Day: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Whom it is customary to congratulate on this day

Initially, as the name suggests, Defender of the Fatherland Day was a professional holiday for military personnel. But over time, it became gender-based and became widespread, so on February 23, all males accept small gifts and good wishes. If you're just racking your brains over the latter, try grabbing a few ideas from this Lifehacker compilation.

How to celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day

As a rule, on this day, women in work and educational teams prepare congratulations for men, and in the evening many gather with family and friends at the festive table. For those who are bored with this traditional scenario, we have collected several alternative ways to celebrate February 23rd.

  • Go to the museum. The holiday is a good reason to better understand the history of the country, and not necessarily the military one. Find out what exhibitions are held in the nearest museums and galleries and visit one of them. It is quite possible that on this day you will be able to get on a thematic excursion or a master class.
  • Visit your relatives. If you are more interested in hearing about the history of your family and ancestors who defended the Fatherland, go to visit your relatives and ask them to share their memories. You can write these stories down to save for the kids.
  • Go in for sports. Physical exercise is useful not only for the defenders of the Fatherland. Go skiing, go to the ice rink, or do a holiday home workout.
  • Play it. If on this day you wanted to try on the role of a warrior, do it with the help of games. Try your hand at shooters or challenge your friends in your favorite board game. And if you want to warm up, go to a laser tag, paintball or quest.
  • Just take a rest. You may not be close to the militaristic spirit of the holiday. It's okay if you don't feel like celebrating. In this case, try to ignore annoying greetings on social networks and spend an extra day off doing what you love and rest.

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