Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus, celebrated annually on February 23, is the most “manful” holiday of the year. For some, this is a memorable and solemn date, for others, it is simply a good reason to get together with friends. One way or another, Defenders of the Fatherland Day is, first of all, a nationwide holiday with a century-long history.

It is believed that Defender of the Fatherland Day was founded in 1918 as the “Birthday of the Red Army” to commemorate the victory over the German invaders near Narva and Pskov. In 1922, this day became a holiday and was named Red Army Day, and was then renamed the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.

After the collapse of the USSR, the holiday was preserved in a number of CIS countries, including Belarus, where it was established by Decree of the President of the Republic No. 157 of March 26, 1998 and was named the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

This truly national holiday is deeply significant for all the people of our republic and carries in its content a symbolic unity of the past and the present.
On this day, we congratulate all those who walked the front lines, defended our freedom and independence during the Great Patriotic War, who were an example of selfless service to the Motherland in the post-war period, who strengthened the combat power of the Red Banner Belarusian Military District with their military labor, who performed their international duty with valor and honor, and those who now protect the peaceful labor of Belarusians. Those who, with their military labor, proved their boundless love for the Motherland, devotion to the Belarusian people, loyalty to duty and oath.