Heroes of the Fatherland Day: from the past to today

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

Russia is sometimes called a country whose past is difficult to predict. Indeed, sometimes, depending on our views, we evaluate the events of the past days in different ways, and sometimes we even try to abandon some of them. However, there are dates in Russia that are sacred for every inhabitant of our country.

They are called memorable. They were established officially and are designed to preserve the memory of the most glorious, most important events of our Fatherland. One of these dates is the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland. Time changes, other interpretations of historical events appear, but every year in December we remember the best representatives of Russia, marked with the highest awards.

December 9 - Heroes of the Fatherland Day

Like all the past of our country, this day has a difficult history. Officially, it began to be celebrated only in 2007. However, it has existed since November 1769, the day when Catherine established one of the most important and honorary orders in the history of the country: the Order of St. George the Victorious. He had four degrees. Interestingly, out of 10 thousand awarded the highest degree for a hundred and fifty yearsreceived only 23 people, and all four degrees - only four. The highest ranks who received such an order were called his cavaliers. They awarded, though very rarely, civilians from the lowest classes, but they were not called cavaliers.

So, Matvey Gerasimov received an award for having managed to capture the British military who captured his ship. However, once Alexander 1 awarded the general with a soldier's order. Miloradovich, having left his place due to his rank, entered the battle along with his soldiers, for which he was awarded. One of the most famous people who received all the degrees of the order (but at a later time) was S. M. Budyonny. Those who received the order were congratulated annually on the day of its establishment. The holiday of the Knights of the Order is a prototype of today's memorable date, which is called the "Day of the Heroes of the Fatherland." During the revolution, the order was awarded to soldiers who performed the duties of officers in battle. Then the order was abolished, but until 1920 it was awarded to soldiers of the White Army who distinguished themselves in battle.

Symbol of Valor

The Day of Heroes of the Fatherland became an officially approved memorable date not so long ago, only in 2007, but in fact it only changed its name: heroes have always been celebrated in Russia. So, in 1934, the title of Hero of the Soviet Union appeared. By the way, it was also handed over to foreigners who performed feats in defense of our Motherland. Khrushchev introduced the vicious practice of awarding the order not for feats, but congratulating on the anniversary. So, L. Brezhnev received the star of the Hero 4 times. However, after some time, the vicious practice wasstopped, and the award, as before, began to receive only the most courageous and worthy. With the collapse of the Union, this honorary title was replaced by another - Hero of the Russian Federation (1992). All those awarded with the Orders of St. George, the stars of Heroes are honored today on December 9th. Heroes of the Fatherland Day is a symbol of courage, love for the country, personal valor, heroism.

This is not just a tribute to memory, it is a celebration of the best Russian sons and daughters who were not afraid to put the good of others above their own lives. The Day of the Heroes of the Fatherland is of unsurpassed importance for the education of citizens. He helps to form the ideals of selfless service to the motherland, shows examples of heroism and selflessness on living and historical examples.

We remember…

Events dedicated to the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland are not only festive. Spartakiads are held in schools and universities, memory lessons are held, at which students are introduced to the heroes who live or lived in their area. Raids are carried out to help war veterans and veterans. The Book of Memory has become a good tradition in many regions, the creation of which is most often done by schoolchildren. The names and biographies of fellow Heroes are entered into the Book. On this day, it is customary to watch films that tell about the courage of the defenders of our Motherland at different stages of its history, lay flowers at monuments, visit local history museums. In schools, other educational institutions, either solemn assembly or other events are held, in organizations - rallies, in parks and concert venues -literary and musical compositions. And of course, events to honor heroes are held at all levels of government.