How the day of the paratrooper is celebrated in Russia

History : In the USSR, the Day of the paratrooper was solemnly celebrated as far back as 1930, and the holiday was established in honor of the elite unit of the Soviet troops successfully performing tactical tasks during armed conflicts. And on August 2, the day of the Airborne Forces is celebrated in honor of the first exercises held in 1930 under Voronezh, during which a small unit consisting of twelve men was parachuted. Thanks to this experiment, military theoreticians were able to consider the advantages and prospects of parachute troops, as well as the possibility of disembarkation of paratroopers to the enemy's rear.

In December 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR adopted a far-reaching decision to create mass Soviet full-fledged airborne troops, and the training of the first specialists took place at the air base located on the territory of the former Leningrad Military District. By March 1933, Soviet paratroopers had already been trained in the Ukrainian and Byelorussian, Privolzhsky and Moscow military districts.

Since 2006, the Day of the paratrooper in Russia is celebrated on the basis of the presidential decree as a memorable day, which is designed to contribute to the effective revival and the most valuable development of Russian military traditions, to enhance the prestige of the army service. Currently, the Airborne Forces of Russia consist of brigades and divisions, special institutions and separate units, each of which is subordinate to direct command.

Features : The day of the paratrooper is now a professional holiday of this unit of troops, to which servicemen and reserve officers are invited, and by tradition it is held in all cities of the Russian Federation. Veteran paratroopers are given awards, commemorative berets and vests, sweets and other gifts, and some are provided with material assistance.

During the celebrations, memorable concerts are held, but the demonstration performances of the paratroopers are especially colorful. Guests of the event can take part in folk festivals and various charity events. In many cities of the Russian Federation, there are sales of souvenir-patriotic products, as well as classical fairs of various national crafts.

Since August 2 is also celebrated the day of the Prophet Elijah, considered the patron of the airborne troops, the procession and the liturgy become an integral part of the feast. In Ukraine and Belarus, as well as in Russia, solemn events are also held on August 2, and to prevent fights, protection of public places is strengthened, and all fountains are being turned off so that the heated paratroopers do not try to swim in them.

In Moscow, the Day of the paratrooper is the most extensive, and the higher ranks of the Ministry of Defense take part in the celebrations and official events. As a rule, about 500,000 paratroopers come to the gathering places, and the commander of the airborne troops visits Suvorov Square and the Novodevichye Cemetery. Celebratory concerts are usually held on Poklonnaya Hill and Vasilievsky Descent, and Gorky Park becomes the central place for festivities. Access of Muscovites to the territory of the park is not limited to this day, however, security measures are applied, and in the places of festivities there are employees of the Ministry of Emergency Measures, fire brigades and ambulances.

Venues : In each city, the Day of Airborne Troops takes place solemnly, and the meeting of the "blue berets" takes place in special places. So, in Moscow solemn events take place on Poklonnaya Hill, VVC and Gorky Park, in St. Petersburg - on Palace Square and Krestovsky Island, in Kiev - at the monument to Soldiers-Internationalists. In Donetsk, veteran paratroopers usually meet next to the monument to Afghan soldiers, in Kharkov - in Gorky Park, and in Minsk - on the island of tears or in the park Chelyuskintsev.