Holidays of Belarus - Day of Paratroopers and Special Operations Forces

August 2 is the Day of Paratroopers and Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces in the Republic of Belarus. The holiday was established by special Decree No. 397 of President A.G. Lukashenko in 2010. Russian paratroopers also celebrate Airborne Forces Day on August 2, which received its official status in 2006. The history of the “blue beret” holiday common to the two countries is rooted in the distant past . It was on August 2, 1930 that during an exercise, 12 members of the USSR Air Force successfully landed by parachute, completing the assigned tactical task. In 2007, by presidential decree, the airborne troops were renamed the special operations forces of the Armed Forces. A.G. Lukashenko and representatives of the General Staff of the Republic of Belarus consider the MTR as one of the most reliable and important elements of the national security system. The Blue Berets represent the oldest school of military excellence, successfully fulfilling their duty and continuing the glorious traditions of their ancestors. Every year on August 2, various festive events are held in Minsk, Vitebsk and Brest. These include ceremonial formations of paratroopers and representatives of the Special Forces, rallies with the participation of veterans, parachute jumps, and displays of military equipment. Military bands perform in city parks, and meetings are held with veterans of the Great Patriotic War and representatives of reconnaissance airborne companies. The fighters demonstrate their mastery of hand-to-hand combat techniques and show the skill of their “younger friends” - sapper search dogs. The program for the Day of Foreman and SSO includes a visit to interactive zones. On their territory, young guests and their parents ride on armored personnel carriers, ATVs and MBTS "Cayman" - an armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle. Participants in competitions organized by paratroopers are invited to fold a parachute, overcome an obstacle course consisting of a labyrinth, a destroyed bridge and a tale, watch an exhibition of weapons, and treat themselves to soldier’s porridge. The Blue Berets provide an opportunity for everyone to try themselves as a diver. The participants of the holiday dive in special equipment into the pool in order to find and lift objects from the bottom. The Day of Paratroopers and Special Forces is not only a holiday of strength and courage, but also of love, care and kindness. During the events, fighters give flowers to women, sweets to children, and visit orphanages with gifts. "Blue Berets" demonstrate loyalty to the traditions of their grandfathers and fathers, proving that they serve with honor and fulfill their military duty.