Every year, on the second Sunday of September, the Russian armed forces traditionally celebrate Tanker Day. The date of this holiday was originally September 11, but later it was replaced by a floating one. This professional holiday is held in honor of the great merits of the tank and mechanized troops of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War. And also, together with the military, tank builders celebrate Tanker’s Day, who also put in a lot of efforts to ensure victory over Nazi Germany, providing our army with new, more powerful vehicles.
For the first time, this holiday was celebrated in 1946, in commemoration of the heroic efforts of the tank and mechanized armed forces of the USSR, which they showed in the battle of Kursk, the most significant tank battle in world history. This battle was a turning point during the war: thanks to the latest models of heavy equipment for those times, our troops were able to completely stop the further German offensive and broke through the enemy’s defense line. The battle tank battalions fought day and night, they were distinguished by high combat efficiency and maneuverability, which allowed them to effectively destroy the enemy’s armed forces.
Since that time, Tanker’s Day is considered one of the most significant and respected holidays in the armed forces. Traditionally, it was marked by the passage of heavy equipment along the main streets of the city, and then by a festive salute. This practice persisted for about one decade, during the period of the 40s and 50s of the last century. Currently, festive rallies are held on Tanker Day, congratulations to veterans of tank troops and arrange concerts. And traditionally on this day a march of tankers plays, the words of which every tanker knows.
Together with Russia, this holiday is celebrated in two more countries: Ukraine and Belarus. Tanker Day in Ukraine was established by a special presidential decree in 1997 - after the collapse of the USSR, the former Union Republic maintained the tradition of honoring armored forces. Both in Ukraine and Belarus, this holiday is also celebrated on the second Sunday of September.
Tanker Day is a very important holiday for our country. It is designed to carry several functions at once. First of all, this day is intended to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in the name of a great victory. Secondly, it is a celebration of veterans of armored and mechanized troops, as well as the maintenance of the tradition, thanks to which a new generation of soldiers - defenders of the Motherland is being brought up. Also, Tanker’s Day is designed to demonstrate the power of modern tank troops, because Russia is still one of the largest suppliers of heavy equipment to other countries. Of course, it is nice that our country has strong tank troops, but still I want heavy equipment to show itself at parades, exhibitions and exercises, and not in real battles.
In 2013, Tanker Day falls on September 8, and it remains only to join in the congratulations of all people related to the armored and mechanized forces and the production of heavy equipment.