Day of Russian Rocket Forces and Artillery: date, history of the holiday

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Rocket and artillery troops are especially significant branches of the ground forces for Russia. They are considered the main means of fire destruction of the enemy in the course of hostilities. Every year, on November 19, people related to these branches of the military celebrate their holiday. On this day, everyone deservedly honors and congratulates the heroes of the occasion. This article will focus on the history and traditions of this significant festival.

Day of Rocket Forces and Artillery (history of the holiday)

The date of this celebration was not chosen spontaneously. On this November day, in 1942, a fierce battle took place near Stalingrad between Soviet soldiers and German invaders. The artillery fire of the Soviet army disoriented the enemy and contributed to a decisive offensive, the result of which was the complete expulsion of the Nazis from the occupied land. Throughout the battle of Stalingrad, artillerymen paved the way for tank and infantry units, destroying enemy fortifications.

Artillery troops made a huge contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany. On October 21, 1944, their services to the Fatherland were officiallyrecognized by the country, a professional holiday was established for the military personnel of this type of troops. In honor of this significant event in a large number of cities of our Motherland, salutes of 20 volleys died down. Two decades later, this holiday began to bear the name "Day of Rocket Forces and Artillery". In 2006, the date of its celebration was finally approved.

History of the formation of artillery

The beginning of the use of tools in Russia dates back to 1382. In that time period, for more than one day, showing unprecedented heroism, the defenders of Moscow repelled the attacks of the troops of Khan Tokhtamysh. They fought defensively with bows, crossbows and cannon fire.

At the dawn of its existence, artillery was poorly organized. It was just an outfit and was used to defend fortress cities. Military conflicts did not decrease over the years, and the importance of artillery began to increase. In the middle of the 16th century, during the period when Ivan the Terrible ruled Russia, artillery became a branch of the military.

Global transformations affected these troops under Peter I. They served as a catalyst for the enhanced development of regular artillery. Artillerymen began to be trained in certain educational institutions. By the end of the 18th century, the formation of horse artillery was completed in the Russian state. The Day of Rocket Forces and Artillery was approved in our country in the 20th century.

Traditions of the artillery of the tsarist army

Some artillery traditions in imperial Russia had a relationship with the original exammoral training of soldiers. An eyewitness of those events described one of the common rituals of that time as follows: “Under the tsar, in the army, a soldier who was afraid of a cannon was “accustomed” as follows.

A similar procedure, only without the use of chairs and ropes, was subjected to themselves by soldiers who fired cannons for the first time. They sat down on the bed and fired from the gun. After this action, the participants in this ritual smeared their faces with soot from a used cartridge case. Gunpowder deposits from the barrel of a cannon on the face are symbols of the main initiation into artillerymen.

In the Russian army, traditions were given great importance. A large number of rituals intertwined with the military history of the state have survived to this day. These include solemn processions, ceremonies for presenting a battle banner, taking an oath by military personnel, and others. On the day of rocket troops and artillery, it is customary to refer to certain traditions of their predecessors.

Years of military hard times

In 1937, the legendary "Katyusha" was created, which personified the beginning of the development of multiple rocket launchers in Russia, in 1941, the first units of rocket troops in our country saw the light. During the war with the German invaders, the battles were well-coordinated, various types of troops actively participated in them, but the artillery troops were always in the battles in the main positions.

The outcome of the battle often depended on the professional skill of artillery soldiers. For their invaluable contribution to numerous victories on the battlefields, artillery began to be called the "god of war". The Day of Missile Troops and Artillery in Russia is the official date for recognizing the combat merit of artillerymen.

Development of this type of troops in the USSR

After the end of hostilities, the accelerated development of artillery troops did not end. In the USSR, the development of the latest, more powerful weapons began to be carried out, the combat effectiveness of artillery formations was getting higher.

In 1946, a special unit was formed, the main responsibilities of which were: testing and launching ballistic weapons, developing the main base for using the combat arsenal of missile units.

Over time, the equipment of the rocket and artillery troops with the necessary weapons has changed for the better. They took an active part in the military conflict in Afghanistan, in various peacekeeping operations on the territory of our country. Rocket troops and artillery (the day of their holiday dates back to November) have always confirmed their highest level, protecting the interests of our country.

Our days

Currently, these troops form an integral part of the ground military forces. They include tactical formations for special purposes. Rocket troops and artillery as part of the re-equipment andmodernization of troops are replenished with the latest technology, which constantly modifies their appearance. According to the Ministry of Defense, Russia ranks first in terms of equipping the army with rocket and artillery weapons.

Tactical exercises with the launch of missiles and individual firing with military personnel are regularly conducted in the units of these troops. A professional holiday (congratulations on the Day of the Missile Forces and Artillery are received by rocket and artillerymen in November), many consider it a time to take stock of the past year. Now, as at all times, the rocket and artillery troops are defending the peace of the Russian people.

Holiday traditions

The Day of Rocket Forces and Artillery is celebrated annually on a large scale. Solemn processions are held throughout the country, where new military equipment is put on public display. Congratulatory speeches on this day are usually combined with cannon volleys and exercises.

At the time when the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery is celebrated, concert programs are held with the participation of famous artists, various events at the highest level.

Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated by all those who have chosen the mission of their lives to serve in this branch of the ground forces, including cadets undergoing training and veterans who are on a well-deserved rest. Veterans who defended their homeland in wartime are waiting for November 19 to meet, rememberkind words and honor the memory of their fallen colleagues. This holiday can be considered by those people who work at enterprises, providing the army of our country with the necessary weapons.

On the Day of the Rocket Forces and Artillery, people who serve in these troops are deservedly rewarded and encouraged for their responsible, selfless work.

In closing

One cannot underestimate the role of the rocket and artillery troops in maintaining the defense capability of our country at the proper level. The military history of Russia is full of examples of courage, bravery and courage of people who connected their lives with this branch of the military. The developments of Russian scientists contribute to the development of rocket technology at the highest level.

At present, our army has advanced missile weapons and the latest artillery systems. Rocket troops and artillery reliably protect the interests of Russia.