For more than a hundred years, our homeland has been the owner of an army of air forces. She finds her origins in the Russian Empire, which became her ancestress by purchasing aircraft from France. This became a prerequisite for the establishment of flight schools, and then for the creation of military aviation. Until now, Russia pays tribute to pilots who did not return from the battlefield, who achieved victory at the cost of their lives, and honors the military who underwent exercises and achieved success in the service. However, not everyone knows what date the Air Force celebrates, despite its state status. To clarify, one should turn to history.
The birth of celebration
Initially, the Day of the Air Force can be considered August 12. It was on this date in 1912 that Nicholas II signed a decree on the creation of the first aviation unit, which was part of the General Directorate of the General Staff. Prior to this, aviation was part of the engineering forces. And only with the signing of the Decree began to perform independent intelligence functions.
Why, then, the question arises of what date is the Air Force holiday?
It must be remembered that once in Russia there was a Soviet and post-Soviet space.
The first prerequisite for changing the date of the celebration was the creation of the workers 'and peasants' Red Fleet in 1918.
Even then, the Bolsheviks got rid of all the symbols and remnants, reminiscent of the once existing Russian Empire.
Soviet time
Let's start researching the topic. Air Force holiday, what date has been approved since the days of the USSR?
In 1933, to match the new fleet, a new celebration date was elected - August 18. The main motive in choosing the day was the combination of celebration with the end of the summer period of combat training and demonstration of the merits of aviation production. Now the holiday includes mandatory competitions in aeronautical engineering, performance in the field of aerobatics, as well as fire exercises.
The purpose of the creation of the Day of the Air Force was to promote the development of socialism through the growth of aviation construction and the strengthening of air defense. However, it would be fair to note that the USSR fleet consisted of several aircraft, which means that they soon began to separate, demanding their own day of honor. So, for example, Civil Aviation Day appeared.
So, the question of when the holiday is Air Force Day, what date it should be celebrated, remains open.
Post-soviet period
The situation is inevitable when the Air Force joins the general trend and apply for a separate manifestation of respect.
In 1997, the President of the Russian Federation, listening to the requests of military pilots and taking into account their merits, both in land and naval operations, issues a decree recognizing Air Force Day and returns the historic date - August 12.
Now the question of how much the Air Force feast seems to have been resolved. But no.
Confusing the people completely, it was decided to approve the third Sunday of August as the official Day of the Air Force. The reason for this was the need to combine the Founding Day of Russian aviation with a day off. Thus, the government was able to find consensus, not forgetting the historical roots.
Little confusion
Some do not just wonder about the date of the celebration, but ask: “What date is the holiday of the Air Force, air defense?”
Do not combine these two great events into one. Despite some similarities in dates, Air Force Day, as we found out, is celebrated on the third Sunday of August, and Air Defense Day - the second Sunday of April - the holidays are different.
In addition, the celebration of the Air Defense Day is younger. The first participation in the battle of these troops was marked by the beginning of World War II. It was for merit during this difficult period for the country that the army was awarded its own memorable day.
True, there was a change in dates here. Initially, the air defense day was celebrated on April 11, but already in 1980 it was postponed to the second Sunday of the same month.
Yet the differences between these memorable dates are stronger than their similarities.
Conclusion
The great dates of our homeland should be remembered, because this is history, the struggle of our ancestors for the life that we now have.
What date is the Air Force holiday, everyone needs to know, this holiday should be celebrated, paying tribute to all those who fought for our peaceful sky.