CSTO Parliamentary Assembly congratulates on Defender of the Fatherland Day

On February 23, the CSTO Member States celebrate the Defender of the Fatherland Day. 
 
In his congratulatory message, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the CSTO PA and Chairman of the State Duma, emphasized that the date of February 23 is now "filled with a special meaning" for all of us.
 
"I congratulate you on the Defender of the Fatherland Day. This holiday reflects the heroic pages of our history, when soldiers and true patriots stood shoulder to shoulder for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland," Mr. Volodin said. 
 
On this day, the Republic of Belarus, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan traditionally hold celebrations, parades and displays of military equipment. February 23 has no official status in Armenia and Kazakhstan, but these countries annually honour veterans and lay flowers at the monuments to fallen soldiers.
 
On this day, several cities will hold celebrations dedicated to the Armed Forces, heroes of our common history, military valor, honour and courage.