Russia celebrates Heroes of Fatherland Day

Heroes of Fatherland Day is a memorable date that Russia celebrates annually on December 9, established by the federal law of February 28, 2007.
On this day, historical justice was restored: until 1917, this December date marked an important event of the reign of Empress Catherine II who established the Order of St George the Victorious in 1769.
Until 1917, the recipients of the Order of St George were commemorated on St George’s Day (November 26 in the Julian calendar) in Russia. After the October Revolution of 1917, this tradition, like the Order itself, was abolished.
The Order of St George the Victorious was reinstated in 2000 as the highest military decoration. Seven years later, in 2007, Russian parliamentarians also proposed to reintroduce the holiday. The authors of the bill wrote then that the revival of the tradition of celebrating the Day of Heroes is not only a tribute to the memory of our heroic ancestors, but also a celebration of the living Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation and recipients of the Order of St George and the Order of Glory.
Today, on the Heroes of Fatherland Day – December 9 – Russia honours Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation and recipients of the Order of St George and the Order of Glory.
Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, said in his greetings on Heroes of Fatherland Day: “Our very existence was made possible due to their heroism and selfless deeds in the name of supreme goals and values, and it is our duty never to forget this. Deep appreciation for heroes is a feeling shared by all generations of Russian citizens, and an honest and sincere striving to be worthy of our great history produces new heroes.”
“I congratulate all those who have shown unparalleled courage and bravery while defending the Fatherland, saving people at the cost of their health and their own lives,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, in his greetings on Heroes of Fatherland Day.
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