Heroes of the Fatherland Day: from the past to the present day

Russia is sometimes called a country whose past is difficult to predict. Indeed, sometimes, depending on our views, we evaluate the events of the past days in different ways, and sometimes we even try to abandon some of them. However, there are dates in Russia that are sacred to every resident of our country.

They are called memorable. They are officially established and are designed to preserve the memory of the most glorious, most important events of our Fatherland. One of these dates is the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland. Time is changing, other interpretations of historical events appear, but each year in December we recall the best representatives of Russia, awarded the highest awards.

December 9 - Heroes of the Fatherland Day

Like the whole past of our country, this day has a difficult history. Officially, they began to celebrate it only in 2007. However, it exists since November 1769, the day when Catherine established one of the most important and honorable orders in the history of the country: the Order of St. George the Victorious. He had four degrees. It is interesting that out of 10 thousand awarded, only 23 people received the highest degree in a hundred and a half years, and only four received all four degrees. The highest ranks who received such an order were called its gentlemen. They were awarded, though very rarely, civilians from the lowest classes, but they were not called cavaliers.

So, Matvey Gerasimov received an award for being able to capture the British military who captured his ship. However, one day Alexander awarded the general with a soldier’s order. Miloradovich, having left his rightful place, joined the battle with his soldiers, for which he was awarded. One of the most famous people who received all degrees of the order (but at a later time) was S. M. Budyonny. Those who received the order were congratulated annually on the day of its establishment. The holiday of the Knights of the Order is a prototype of today's memorable date, which is called "Day of Heroes of the Fatherland." In the revolution, the order was awarded to soldiers who, in battle, performed the duties of officers. Then the order was abolished, but until 1920 it was awarded to soldiers of the white army who distinguished themselves in battles.

Glyph of Valor

Heroes of the Fatherland Day became an officially approved memorial date not so long ago, only in 2007, but in fact it only changed its name: heroes in Russia have always been celebrated. So, in 1934 the title of Hero of the Soviet Union appeared. By the way, they handed it to foreigners who have accomplished feats in defense of our homeland. Khrushchev introduced a vicious practice of awarding the Order not for feats, but congratulating him on his anniversary. So, L. Brezhnev received the star of the Hero 4 times. However, after some time, the vicious practice was stopped, and, as before, only the most daring and worthy began to receive a reward. With the collapse of the Union, this honorary title was replaced by another - Hero of the Russian Federation (1992). All awarded the St. George orders, stars of Heroes today are honored on December 9th. Heroes of the Fatherland Day is a symbol of courage, love for the country, personal valor, heroism.

This is not just a tribute to the memory, it is a celebration of the best Russian sons and daughters who were not afraid to put others above their own lives. Heroes of the Fatherland Day is of unrivaled importance for the education of citizens. He helps to shape the ideals of selfless service to the homeland, and he shows examples of heroism and selflessness on living and historical examples.

We remember…

Events for the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland are not only festive in nature. Spartakiads are held in schools and universities, memory lessons are held, in which students are introduced to heroes living or living in their area. Raids are being conducted to assist war veterans and veterans. A Book of Memory has become a good tradition in many regions, the creation of which is most often done by schoolchildren. The book contains the names and biographies of fellow countrymen-Heroes. On this day, it is customary to watch films telling about the courage of the defenders of our Motherland at different stages of its history, lay flowers at the monuments, and visit local history museums. Schools and other educational institutions hold either ceremonial events or other events, rallies in organizations, literary and musical compositions in parks and concert venues. And of course, events for honoring heroes are held at all levels of government.