Dear participants of the Great Patriotic War, veterans of the Armed Forces, the Russian military, teachers, students and employees of the Financial University!
We would like to congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day!
February 23 is the day to express deep respect and gratitude for soldiers of all generations. It is a symbol of courage, dignity, true patriotism and honour. It is the day to honour all those who ensure the peace and tranquillity of our Motherland and defend its interests in the face of external and internal threats.
Please accept our heartfelt congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day.
We wish you strong health, optimism, well-being and success in achieving the set goals for the benefit of Russia!
In January 1918 Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars of the RSFSR Vladimir Lenin signed a decree setting up the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army. The recruitment of volunteers into the Red Army started on February 23, 1918.
Between 1936 and 1990, February 23 was observed as the Soviet Army and Navy Day. It became a workday in 1991. The Russian parliament reintroduced it as a public holiday in 2002, after renaming it as Defender of the Fatherland Day.
On this day Russian President Vladimir Putin and other government officials traditionally participate in the laying wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin.
