Holidays of Belarus - Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus

Every year on February 23 we celebrate “Defender of the Fatherland Day,” which today is considered “Men’s Day.” In fact, it’s an analogue of March 8, only adapted for the stronger sex. Unofficially, this holiday remained in every post-Soviet country. But only some consider it an official holiday and a day off. For example, in the Russian Federation, Belarus. Where did it originate and how is it usually celebrated? The appearance of this holiday has several working versions. By the way, not a single one is clearly accepted as official. Therefore, the historical past of the celebration can be considered quite vague. They are all connected by one thing - the Red Army. Her strength, power and courage of the soldiers who served in her ranks at different times. The creation of this organization was a necessary measure, against the backdrop of the raging First World War, which was strangling Europe. In early 1918, the Decree on the creation of the army was adopted, and exactly a year later it was decided to celebrate the event with a holiday. The belated proposal, which arrived at the All-Russian Central Executive Committee much later than the most significant date, was accepted. But it was decided to postpone the celebration to a later date. Due to political turmoil, in fact, the anniversary of its creation was celebrated only on February 23, 1922. The second variation appeared in the late 30s of the last century. Then the origin of this significant date was tied to the work “A Short Course in the History of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks),” which talked about the battle in the area of ​​Narva and Pskov. At that time, the troops of the nascent Country of Soviets managed to repel the German military onslaught, precisely on February 23. This day became the date of the birth of the Red Army and the first steps towards the February holiday of modernity. Another variation is the “youngest”. It dates back to the early 50s, when in the book “History of the Civil War in the USSR”, the author made a reference to February 1919. According to his information, it was on this day that the mobilization of the forces of workers who voluntarily joined the Soviet army took place. Until 1995, the holiday had a long name, which was shortened to the modern version “Day of Defenders of the Fatherland.” In 2002, for the first time, Russians did not go to work due to the celebration. In 2006, the word “defenders” began to be used in the name, only in the singular “defender”. In Soviet times, February 23 was considered a holiday for serving or active military personnel. Today this day honors all men. It is customary to give them small gifts as a sign of friendship, respect and love. The circle of recipients does not end with the family. Congratulations are widespread among children's and youth groups. And also in corporate formats. At the state level, the celebration is always timed to coincide with the laying of flowers on the graves and monuments of the military. So in Moscow there is always a procession to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by high-ranking political officials. But in the Republic of Belarus, February 23 is still a holiday, primarily for the military. All special events are dedicated to them. Among which there are many that are held with the participation of top officials of the Republic of Belarus. In addition, they do not forget about the soldiers who died in battle. They remember veterans of the Second World War and other international conflicts, where military personnel from the territory of the present Republic took part.