Day of Heroes of the Fatherland: from the past to today's days

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

December, 9 - Day of Heroes of Fatherland

Like all the past of our country, this day has a difficult history. Officially, it was celebrated only in 2007. However, it exists since November 1769, the day when Catherine established one of the most important and honorable 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 fifteen hundred years, only 23 people received, and all four degrees - only four. The higher ranks who received such an order were called his knights. Rewarded, very rarely, civilians from the lowest estates, but their gentlemen were not called. Thus, Matvei Gerasimov received a reward for having managed to capture the English military who seized his ship. However, once Alexander 1 soldier's order awarded the general. Miloradovich, having left his proper place, entered the battle with his soldiers, for which he was awarded. One of the most famous people who received all degrees of the order, (but already at a later time) was SM Budyonny. The awardees were congratulated each year on the day of its establishment. The Feast of Knights of the Order is the prototype of today's memorable date, which is called the "Heroes of the Fatherland Day". In the Revolution, the Order was awarded to soldiers who served as officers in battle. Then the order was abolished, but until 1920 they were awarded the soldiers of the white army, who distinguished themselves in battles.

Glyph of Valor

Day of Heroes of the Fatherland was officially approved a memorable date not so long ago, only in 2007, but in fact it only changed its name: heroes in Russia were always noted. So, in 1934 appeared the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. By the way, he was also presented to foreigners who performed feats in defense of our Motherland. Khrushchev introduced a vicious practice of awarding the Order not for feats, but congratulating on the anniversary. Thus, Leonid Brezhnev received the hero's star four times. However, after some time, the vicious practice was stopped, and the reward, 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 Order of St. George, the Heroes' Stars today are honored on December 9. Day of Heroes of the Fatherland - a symbol of courage, love for the country, personal valor, heroism.

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

We remember…

The events for the Heroes of the Fatherland Day are not only festive. In schools and universities, sports days are held, memory lessons are held, in which students are introduced to the characters living or living in their locality. Are conducted raids to assist participants in wars and veterans. A good tradition in many regions is the Memory Book, the creation of which is most often done by schoolchildren. The names and biographies of fellow Heroes are added to the Book. On this day it is customary to watch films telling about the courage of the defenders of our Motherland at different stages of its history, laying flowers at monuments, visiting museums of local lore. In schools, other educational institutions, either solemn lines or other events are held, in organizations - rallies, in parks and concert venues - literary and musical compositions. And of course, celebration of heroes is carried out at all levels of government.