Gunsmith Day in Russia

Russia is rich in holidays. According to the calendar, holidays are celebrated every day in our country. Some originated a long time ago and have their own traditions. Others are very young, barely born, and are at the stage of comprehension and adaptation. One of these young holidays is Gunsmith's Day. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the patriotic education of youth. Continuity in the profession, dedication and devotion of gunsmiths is a vivid example of love for the fatherland. Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the legendary AK-47 assault rifle, personally worked on the creation of Gunsmith Day. Apparently, it is no coincidence that the craftsmen assigned September 19, the day of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the heavenly army, to defense affairs. The gunsmith's holiday is widely celebrated in Russia, especially in cities where defense enterprises are located. But the main characters on this day are Izhevsk and Tula. The main attractions of Izhevsk are, one way or another, related to the arms industry. Andrey Fedorovich Deryabin and Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov are both natives of Izhevsk. In 2007, a unique monument was erected in the town. The prototypes were two simple workers at a weapons factory. The sculptures were created from old photographs. The caftans on the heroes of the composition are worn for a reason, because in Tsarist Russia they were given only to the best gunsmiths for good work and exemplary behavior. Back in 1595, by decree of Fyodor the Blessed, 30 blacksmiths were sent to Tula to produce the “sovereign’s pale wood”. Later, Peter I ordered the construction of a factory in the weapons settlement. Tula is firmly connected with the brilliant designer S.I. Mosin. The professional holiday is widely celebrated in the arms capital: flowers are solemnly laid on the gunsmiths' alley, and the best workers in the defense industry are awarded. The centuries-old wars of the Slavs contributed to the development of small arms. Craftsmen honed their skills, weapons evolved. The skills of Russian gunsmiths have been highly valued at all times. Entire dynasties were busy making tools. Today, as before, products produced at Russian factories are quoted on the world small arms market, and our artisans still occupy leading positions. Weapons masters have been creating the country's defense power for centuries and now rightfully celebrate their professional holiday on September 19.