The holiday on February 23 has a history rich in various unexpected events. The celebration was repeatedly renamed and moved to other dates. The occurrence of a significant event was associated with the birth of the Red Army, but in modern Russia the holiday has been transformed from a purely military one into a more universal option, briefly called Defender of the Fatherland Day. Today, February 23 is celebrated very widely and magnificently in the country, and congratulations are accepted by all male representatives, both adults and children. On the eve of this significant day, educational institutions, enterprises and organizations hold various ceremonial events at which the strong half of humanity is honored and such people are admired in every possible way. masculine qualities, like courage, courage and the ability to always come to the rescue of those who need it.
February 23 - the history of the holiday and its modern meaning in Russia
The history of the holiday on February 23 in Russia goes back to the distant past, directly related to the moment of the overthrow of the tsarist regime and the Decree on the creation of the Red Workers' and Peasants' Army, issued by the Presidium of People's Commissars of the young Soviet Republic. This significant event happened on January 15, 1918, and the treasury allocated 20 million rubles for the formation of combat units, which at that time was considered a truly enormous amount.
In Petrograd on February 21st began active work the first point for receiving volunteers, and Vladimir Lenin spoke on the streets and squares, calling on citizens to join the ranks of the defenders of the young Socialist Fatherland. The recruitment process was quite intense, but in the end required amount people were found and freshly assembled troops were able to repel the external and internal enemy.
Initially, they wanted to celebrate the anniversary of the Red Army on the day the decree on its creation was signed, then they considered February 17 as a holiday date, but in the end they allocated the next Sunday for the celebration, which at that moment fell on February 23. True, for some mysterious reason, the military holiday did not catch on and for four years it was practically not remembered either in society or at the state level.
The date found a second life only in 1922, when the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee issued a decree on the solemn celebration in the country of the fourth anniversary of the formation of the victorious and glorious Red Army. In 1923, this significant day was celebrated very widely and pompously, not only in the capital, but in all, even the most remote regions of the state. It was then that the date first received its official name - Red Army Day, and this name was subsequently approved by the Revolutionary Military Council of the young Soviet Republic.
During the reign of Joseph Stalin, attitudes towards the holiday changed somewhat. At the insistence of the authorities, the date was surrounded by various myths and a lot of legends were created around it, saying that on February 23, 1918, brave Red Army soldiers dealt a crushing blow to the enemy troops stationed near Narva and Pskov. Thus, an attempt was made to destroy the unpleasant facts for the country about the defeat and the signing of the ultimatum presented by the German side.
After the victory of the USSR in the Great Patriotic War, the perception of February 23 in the country changed again. The army was admired, and the military was literally carried in their arms. Since 1946, the holiday has become one of the most beloved among the people, and almost every family considered it their duty to celebrate it. Around this time it began to be called Day Soviet army and the Navy. Years passed and the holiday gradually lost its purely military overtones. Gradually, from February 23, they began to congratulate absolutely all men, including even those who, due to certain life circumstances, did not serve in the army.
The meaning and meaning of the holiday February 23 in modern Russia
Meaning and modern meaning February 23 in Russia is somewhat different from what was customary in the USSR. In 1995, deputies of the State Duma tried to assign a new name to the significant date, containing information about the victory of the Red Army over the military units of the Kaiser's Germany. However, this long and not entirely true name lasted only a few years.
In 2002, the State Duma returned to discuss this issue and renamed February 23 as Defender of the Fatherland Day. In addition, the date was declared non-working and the connection of this event with the military operations of 1918 was completely severed.
IN last years The military overtones of the holiday faded somewhat, and it became much more universal. It is celebrated not only by men who bravely defend the borders of our Motherland from enemies, but also by those who have never held a weapon in their hands and protect only their family and loved ones from dangers and hardships. In addition to adult representatives of the stronger sex, on February 23, congratulations are received by boys, young men and young people who are yet to show themselves as defenders of both the Fatherland and their relatives. The warmest, most sincere and good words on this day they also speak to brave, courageous women who have dedicated their lives to serving in the army, law enforcement agencies or structures designed to protect the population from various dangers and disasters.
The celebration of February 23rd takes place in all cities brightly and magnificently. Welcome words top officials of the state, public figures and representatives of the deputy corps speak to the heroes of the occasion. Flowers and candles are laid at monuments and memorials of heroes. In the evening, the sky of the capital and large federal centers is illuminated by festive fireworks, symbolizing the power, strength and dignity of Russian weapons and the courage of Russian soldiers.
History of February 23 briefly for children - class hour in elementary school
With a brief history of the origin of the holiday on February 23rd students primary school can be introduced to class hour. It is not worth burdening children aged 7-9 years with too detailed a narrative with a lot of details. Children simply will not be able to perceive the abundance of historical facts, which do not always have an unambiguous coloring. But it is, of course, worth talking about the heroism of the Red Army soldiers and some important achievements of the Red Army, as well as what exactly the Russian soldiers did in order to stop the German attack on the Soviet Union.
In the second part of the event, it is necessary to mention that today the holiday is not the prerogative of exclusively the military and promotes the qualities that every male citizen should have, regardless of age, profession and social status. Children must understand that on February 23, the country honors brave people with an open heart, always ready to help, regardless of who needs it, the state or an individual.
February 23 – history and video presentation for high school students
When telling high school students the history of the appearance of such a holiday as February 23 in the calendar, it is worth supplementing your speech with a bright and informative video presentation. Children aged 14-16 will be interested in seeing chronicles of those times or excerpts from thematic feature films. You can prepare musical accompaniment for your speech and give schoolchildren the opportunity to listen to classical and modern songs dedicated to the heroes of various wars. It would be appropriate to mention not only the heroic military, but also the employees of various rescue services, who no less often risk their lives to help people in completely peaceful conditions.
In order for the words to make a more vivid impression and be better remembered, it is worth inviting one of the veterans, active military personnel, representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, law enforcement agencies or firefighters to the event. These people will be happy to tell students about the peculiarities of their professions and show the children that they can protect people not only with weapons in their hands on the border of the state, but also in absolutely peaceful civilian conditions.
February 23, 2020 is celebrated in our country as Defender of the Fatherland Day. Each holiday has its own history. But, perhaps, with this significant date, things are especially interesting. Previously, even before the collapse of the USSR, the holiday was called Soviet Army Day and Navy. This fact, regarding the topic of the history of the occurrence of February 23 as memorable date, is known to most of our compatriots. Meanwhile, as for the detailed biography of the celebration, historians still cannot come to a clear opinion.
It all started in 1918 during the post-revolutionary disbandment of military units. In January, to be precise, on the 15th, a decree was signed on the creation of the Red Army. On January 29, the Council approved the decree on the formation of the fleet. The creation of a new fighting force served as a reason for the development of propaganda measures. The main event of this series was planned to be the celebration of Defender of the Fatherland Day. They wanted to hold the action one-time on February 23 and then safely forget about it. However, the celebration began to be celebrated annually thereafter.
The day for the celebration was not chosen by chance. Compilers of the history of the holiday consider February 23 to be a gallant day when the Red Army won a landmark victory over the Germans near Pskov and Narva. But no documentary evidence of this fact was found. Meanwhile, the government did not want to question it and already in 1922 signed a Decree on celebrating February 23 as the Day of Defender of the Fatherland.
The celebrations begin on February 23
In 1923, February 23 was already celebrated on a grand scale, since it coincided with the 5th anniversary of the Red Army. After honoring the heroes of the occasion throughout the country, this date becomes a national holiday. Over its long history, February 23 has been subject to wording correction several times. Released in 1995 the federal law"About the days of military glory of Russia." As a result of work on the document, it was decided to designate this February date as “Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser’s troops of Germany in 1918.” It’s good that 2002 changed again and, by the way, noticeably simplified the naming of the celebration. Thanks to the resolution of the State Duma, the holiday becomes so familiar to us as Defender of the Fatherland Day.
What’s even more pleasant for all working people is that it is recognized as a non-working day, officially a day off!
When celebrating the occasion, both then and today, there is a clear military overtones. Having gotten rid of the political background, Defender of the Fatherland Day becomes a date when one can congratulate and thank for the valiant work of all those who have ever stood in defense of our Motherland. Interesting fact. Recently, there has been a shift in the meaning of this holiday towards civilian professions. So, even flight attendants consider it their duty to celebrate the occasion on this day.
Controversial moments in the history of the holiday on February 23
It is possible that if it were not for the paperwork with documents, we would have celebrated the celebration on the very day of the creation of the Red Army. Most likely it would be January 28 or 29. Bureaucratic delays are not the only thing that could prevent the holiday from coming into its own on February 23, according to historical facts. According to another version, the then significant holiday of March 8, which concerned all internationalists, before the transition to a new calendar style, coincided with the February anniversary of the Russian victory over the Germans in 1918. This coincidence strengthened the military character of this sacred number several times over. To get a complete picture of the world, historians have unearthed several more from past. Anyone who remembers the scope of the November 7 celebration will not understand why they canceled its existence and came up with another one in its place. November 4 is close to 7, but their histories of occurrence differ significantly. However, it is possible that our descendants will also argue and be puzzled, and sometimes inadvertently combine these dates. The principle of time leakage works today as it did then. Many historians argue that due to the lack of some archival documents, it is still impossible to clearly determine the origins of Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Falsifications and substitutions related to February 23
You and I were not the only ones wondering about the origin of the day off on February 23rd. This topic worried the minds of our compatriots long before our appearance. In this regard, representatives of the country's administration took controversial methods in order to convey the truth to the working people. On February 5, 1923, the Revolutionary Military Council issued a document stating that February 23, 1918 is the date when a special force was created, the purpose of which was to protect the people from the German invaders. The newspaper “Military Thought and Revolution”, which picked up this information, relished in detail the drill that accompanied the creation of the main unit.
The federal archives contain a photographed copy of the document from another publication. The periodical "Military Herald" succinctly informed citizens that the convening of the Red Army was approved on February 23. However, this date has been changed. Initially, according to historical sources, this event took place on January 15.
The obvious fact of discrepancy was recognized by some officers who commanded military units. In particular, in one of the issues of the newspaper “Pravda” K.E. Voroshilov complained about the incorrect choice of the date for celebrating Defender of the Fatherland Day. The newspaper informed the reader that the military leader considered the recognition of the date of convocation of the Red Army to be unconfirmed by historical data. Even a book published in 1938 with a short course on the history of the CPSU (b), written by Joseph Vissarionovich himself, indicates falsification. Stalin writes that it was on February 23, 1918 that the Soviet Army near Narva and Pskov repulsed the enemy aggressor. The leader of the Soviet State proclaims the creation of a great military force exactly on this day. Archival sources contradict the facts that allegedly took place according to a short history course from Stalin.
A happy ending for Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23
One way or another, throughout the entire difficult history, Defender of the Fatherland Day has been great love was noted in the territory of the former Soviet Union, Russia during the perestroika, post-perestroika period, and in the 2000s. Its existence is still relevant today. February 23 is now positioned for the younger generation as a day of honoring the heroic people of the Motherland to instill respect for their people. This date is a non-working day so that everyone can honor the memory of Russian soldiers who died defending the Fatherland, as well as all those who are showing courage, valor, nobility, bravery and self-sacrifice now.
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The history of the holiday dates back to January 28 (January 15, old style) 1918. On this day, against the backdrop of the First World War ongoing in Europe, the Council of People's Commissars (the de facto government of Soviet Russia), led by its chairman Vladimir Lenin, adopted a Decree on the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA).
In the first days of January 1919, the Soviet authorities remembered the approaching anniversary of the Council of People's Commissars decree on the organization of the Red Army. On January 10, the Chairman of the Higher Military Inspectorate of the Red Army, Nikolai Podvoisky, sent to the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee a proposal to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army, timing the celebration to the nearest Sunday before or after January 28. However, due to the late submission of the application, no decision was made.
Then the Moscow Soviet took the initiative to celebrate the first anniversary of the Red Army. On January 24, 1919, its presidium, which at that time was headed by Lev Kamenev, decided to coincide these celebrations with Red Gift Day. This day was organized by the relevant commission under the All-Russian Central Executive Committee with the aim of providing assistance to the fighting Red Army soldiers. Red Gift Day was scheduled for February 16, but the commission did not have time to hold it on time. Therefore, Red Gift Day and Red Army Day dedicated to it were decided to be celebrated on the Sunday following February 16, i.e. February 23.
In 1920-1921 Red Army Day was not celebrated.
On January 27, 1922, the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee published a resolution on the 4th anniversary of the Red Army, which stated: “In accordance with the resolution of the IX All-Russian Congress of Soviets on the Red Army, the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee draws the attention of the executive committees to the upcoming anniversary of the creation of the Red Army (February 23).”
In 1923, the resolution of the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, adopted on January 18, stated: “On February 23, 1923, the Red Army will celebrate the 5th anniversary of its existence. On this day, five years ago, the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars of January 28 was published the same year, which laid the foundation for the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army, the stronghold of the proletarian dictatorship." However, this statement was not true, because the mentioned decree was published in central newspapers almost immediately after its adoption.
The 10th anniversary of the Red Army in 1928, like all previous ones, was celebrated as the anniversary of the Council of People's Commissars decree on the organization of the Red Army of January 28 (15 old style) January 1918, but the very date of publication, contrary to the truth, was directly linked to February 23.
In 1938, in the “Short Course on the History of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks)” a fundamentally new version of the origin of the date of the holiday was presented, which was not related to the decree of the Council of People’s Commissars. The book stated that in 1918, near Narva and Pskov, “the German occupiers were given a decisive rebuff. Their advance to Petrograd was suspended. The day of repulse to the troops of German imperialism, February 23, became the birthday of the young Red Army.”
Later, in the order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR dated February 23, 1942, the wording was changed: “The young detachments of the Red Army, which entered the war for the first time, completely defeated the German invaders near Pskov and Narva on February 23, 1918. That is why February 23 was declared a day birth of the Red Army."
In 1951, the latest interpretation of the holiday appeared. The “History of the Civil War in the USSR” stated that in 1919 the first anniversary of the Red Army was celebrated “on the memorable day of the mobilization of workers for the defense of the socialist Fatherland, the mass entry of workers into the Red Army, the widespread formation of the first detachments and units of the new army.”
In the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 N32-FZ "On the Days of Military Glory of Russia", February 23 bears the official name "The Day of the Red Army's Victory over the Kaiser's troops of Germany in 1918 - the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland."
In accordance with the amendments made to the Federal Law “On the Days of Military Glory of Russia” by the Federal Law of April 15, 2006, the words “Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser’s troops of Germany (1918)” were excluded from the official description of the holiday, and also stated in the only including the concept of "defender".
The material was prepared based on information from open sources
Originated in the USSR, then February 23 was celebrated annually as a national holiday - the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.
There was no document establishing February 23 as an official Soviet holiday. Soviet historiography linked the commemoration of the military to this date with the events of 1918: on January 28 (15 old style) January 1918, the Council of People's Commissars (SNK), headed by Chairman Vladimir Lenin, adopted a Decree on the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA), and February 11 (January 29, old style) - Workers' and Peasants' Red Fleet (RKKF).
On February 22, the decree-appeal of the Council of People's Commissars "The Socialist Fatherland is in Danger!" was published, and on February 23, mass rallies took place in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), Moscow and other cities of the country, at which workers were called upon to defend their Fatherland from the advancing German troops . This day was marked by the massive entry of volunteers into the Red Army and the beginning of the formation of its detachments and units.
On January 10, 1919, the Chairman of the Higher Military Inspectorate of the Red Army, Nikolai Podvoisky, sent to the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee (VTsIK) a proposal to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army, timing the celebration to the nearest Sunday before or after January 28. However, due to the late submission of the application, no decision was made.
Then the Moscow Soviet took the initiative to celebrate the first anniversary of the Red Army. On January 24, 1919, the presidium, which at that time was headed by Lev Kamenev, decided to coincide these celebrations with the day of the Red Gift, held with the aim of collecting material and monetary resources for the Red Army.
Under the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, a Central Committee was created to organize the celebration of the anniversary of the Red Army and the Day of the Red Gift, which scheduled the celebrations for Sunday, February 23. On February 5, Pravda and other newspapers published the following information: “The organization of the Red Gift Day throughout Russia has been postponed to February 23. On this day, celebrations of the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army, which was celebrated on January 28, will be organized in cities and at the front.”
On February 23, 1919, Russian citizens celebrated the anniversary of the Red Army for the first time, but this day was not celebrated either in 1920 or 1921.
On January 27, 1922, the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee published a resolution on the fourth anniversary of the Red Army, which stated: “In accordance with the resolution of the IX All-Russian Congress of Soviets on the Red Army, the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee draws the attention of the executive committees to the upcoming anniversary of the creation of the Red Army (February 23).”
The Chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council, Leon Trotsky, organized a military parade on Red Square on this day, thereby establishing the tradition of an annual national celebration.
In 1923, the five-year anniversary of the Red Army was widely celebrated. The resolution of the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, adopted on January 18, 1923, stated: “On February 23, 1923, the Red Army will celebrate the 5th anniversary of its existence. On this day, five years ago, the Decree of the Council of People’s Commissars dated January 28 of the same the year that marked the beginning of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, the stronghold of the proletarian dictatorship."
The tenth anniversary of the Red Army in 1928, like all previous ones, was celebrated as the anniversary of the Council of People's Commissars decree on the organization of the Red Army of January 28, 1918, but the date of publication itself was directly linked to February 23.
In 1938, in the “Short Course on the History of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks)” a fundamentally new version of the origin of the date of the holiday was presented, which was not related to the decree of the Council of People’s Commissars. The book stated that in 1918, near Narva and Pskov, “the German occupiers were given a decisive rebuff. Their advance to Petrograd was suspended. The day of repulse to the troops of German imperialism—February 23—became the birthday of the young Red Army.”
Later, in the order of the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR dated February 23, 1942, the wording was slightly changed: “The young detachments of the Red Army, which entered the war for the first time, completely defeated the German invaders near Pskov and Narva on February 23, 1918. That is why February 23 was declared a day birth of the Red Army."
In 1951, another interpretation of the holiday appeared. In the “History of the Civil War in the USSR” it was stated that in 1919 the first anniversary of the Red Army was celebrated “on the memorable day of the mobilization of workers for the defense of the socialist Fatherland, the mass entry of workers into the Red Army, the widespread formation of the first detachments and units of the new army.”
In the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 “On the Days of Military Glory of Russia,” the day of February 23 was officially called “The Day of the Red Army’s Victory over the Kaiser’s troops of Germany (1918) - the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland.”
In accordance with the amendments made to the Federal Law “On the Days of Military Glory of Russia” by the Federal Law of April 15, 2006, the words “Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser’s troops of Germany (1918)” were excluded from the official description of the holiday, and also stated in the singular the concept of "defender".
In December 2001, the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation supported the proposal to make February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day - a non-working holiday.
The day of February 23, due to established traditions, has become a national national holiday dedicated to all generations of defenders of the Fatherland. Throughout their centuries-old history, Russians have selflessly defended the sovereignty and independence, and sometimes the right to exist, of the Russian state in numerous wars.
Military personnel of the army and navy of modern Russia responsibly fulfill their military duty, reliably ensuring the protection of national interests and the military security of the country.
On Defender of the Fatherland Day, Russians honor those who served or are currently serving in the ranks of the country's Armed Forces. But the majority of Russian citizens tend to consider Defender of the Fatherland Day as the Day of real men, defenders in the broadest sense of the word.
On this day, a festive artillery salute is held in the hero cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd, Novorossiysk, Tula, Sevastopol, Smolensk and Murmansk, as well as in the cities where the headquarters of military districts, fleets, combined arms armies and the Caspian Flotilla are stationed.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
We celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23. On this day, it is customary to congratulate all men and glorify such qualities of the strong half of humanity as courage, fortitude and bravery. Previously, this day was called the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. There are different theories about the origin of this holiday, which historians argue about to this day.
Why do we celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23
The roots of this holiday date back to 1918 during the First World War, since it was at that time that the decrees on the creation of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA) and the Workers' and Peasants' Red Fleet (RKKF) were signed. The young Soviet state needed an army for defense.
The Red Army was founded on January 28, and the RKKF on February 11. Something else is connected with the date February 23 an important event- on this day the Red Army won a major victory over German troops near Pskov and Narva. But some historians have questioned this fact, classifying it as a fable, since there is no documentary evidence of this.
Mentions of this battle began to appear much later. The year 1922 was marked by the signing of a Decree on the solemn celebration on February 23 of the fourth anniversary of the creation of the Red Army.
In 1923, a pompous celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Red Army took place. After this, a large-scale national holiday began to be celebrated annually on February 23.
In 1946, the holiday was renamed the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.
In 1995, the State Duma Russian Federation The federal law “On the Days of Military Glory of Russia” is adopted. This law established February 23 as “Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser’s troops of Germany in 1918 - Defender of the Fatherland Day.”
However, already in 2002, February 23 was renamed Defender of the Fatherland Day, and the day received the status of an official holiday.
Thus, years later, the connection with the victory of the Red Army over the Kaiser’s troops on February 23, 1918 was excluded from the description of the holiday, as a fact that did not correspond to reality. This is Short story holiday on February 23.
How is February 23 celebrated in Russia?
In Russia and other states of the former Soviet Union, February 23 has long lost its political and military connotation. Nowadays, it is customary to congratulate men of all ages on this day. Women present souvenirs to their colleagues, set a table with treats for loved ones, and parents give gifts to their sons. On the eve of the holiday, store shelves are filled with so-called men's products: strong alcohol, cakes, various options gifts. For example, tools, equipment for hunting and fishing, etc.
At the official level, Defender of the Fatherland Day is also celebrated on a large scale - as a day of military glory - the authorities congratulate veterans of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, military-patriotic events are held, fireworks go off, and wreaths are laid.
Congratulations on February 23
A beautiful word - “Man”!
We love our husband in him, and we love our son in him,
We love you different - both weak and strong.
And in some ways guilty, and in some ways innocent.
You are often like children, and often like rakes,
You are simply different, and therefore interesting!
Trying to change you is pointless, stupid,
Accepting you as anyone is a science for women.
We miss you, it’s very sad without you,
Without your love in woman's heart so empty.
Men, our protectors and glory,
Sorry if we are wrong.
For your love! For patience! For strength!
I want each of you to be happy!
Let there be fewer reasons for sadness,
Which beautiful word- "Man".
