Since July 1, 2009, the tradition of celebrating the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow of Combat Veterans, or simply the Day of Combat Veterans, has taken root in Russia. However, government authorities in 2010 approved a different date - February 15 - the anniversary of the beginning of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. IN official calendar This is the Day of Remembrance of Russians who performed their official duties outside the Fatherland or the Day of Internationalist Soldiers.
The attitude towards the Afghan war and the decision to leave Afghanistan in Russia is ambiguous. The leadership of the Russian Federation has a positive attitude towards this event and is trying to give it legitimacy in the eyes of Russians and those who went through that terrible war. However, with all due respect to the “Afghans,” February 15 is not a very “correct” date in relation to participants in hostilities in other states.
Operations worldwide
In addition to Afghanistan, Soviet troops took part in countless foreign missions in dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America after World War II. In particular, units of the Soviet army and special forces units carried out combat missions in Korea (1950–1953), Hungary (1956), Laos (1960–1970), Yemen (1961–1969), Cuba (1962), Algeria (1962– 1964), Vietnam (1961–1974), Czechoslovakia (1968), Syria (1967–1973), Angola (1975–1979), Mozambique (1967–1969, 1975–1979), Cambodia (1970), Bangladesh (1972–1973) ), Lebanon (1982) and other countries of the world.
Since the late 1980s, our country has faced serious internal threats: there was an explosion of separatist sentiments and nationalism in the republics of the USSR. Soviet troops were forced to respond to events in Baku (1988–1990) and attempts to overthrow governments in the Baltic states (1990). In the first years after the collapse of the USSR, the peacekeeping efforts of the Russian Federation helped save tens of thousands of lives in Transnistria, Abkhazia and Tajikistan.
In the 1990s Russian army and special forces had to put out fires in Chechnya and Dagestan. In August 2008, in South Ossetia, Moscow carried out an operation to “enforce peace” against the unruly Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. In February-March, the “little green men” protected Crimeans from aggression from Ukraine. Since September 2015, Russia has been carrying out a military mission in Syria - the first large-scale foreign operation since the disappearance of the USSR.
Nowadays, new threats have appeared on the western borders of the Russian Federation, in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Central Asia. A difficult situation remains in the North Caucasus, where special forces (GRU and FSB detachments) are waging both covert and open struggle against the gangster underground. In addition, if Western media reports are to be believed, Russian special services are involved in the liquidation of field commanders who fled from Chechnya to the countries of the Middle East. It is likely that today Russia continues to search for and destroy bandits.
There is something to be proud of
According to Russian legislation, military veterans are recognized as former or current employees of law enforcement agencies who participated in operations in the USSR, Russia and in almost 50 foreign countries. With the exception of WWII veterans, these are hundreds of thousands of people, most of whom are now on well-deserved retirement. An important addition to the legislation was recently introduced at the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin: participants in the Syrian campaign received the status of combat veterans.
On July 1, in large Russian cities, veterans and citizens who care about the history of the country pay tribute to the memory of fallen soldiers. As a rule, wreaths and flowers are brought to the Eternal Flame, monuments to internationalist soldiers and other memorial complexes. In Moscow, the gathering center for veterans is Poklonnaya Hill.
A huge contribution to ensuring national security was made by fighters better known as members of the Alpha anti-terrorism unit. IN glorious history special forces operations in Afghanistan, Jordan, Israel, Cuba, Switzerland, France, Great Britain, Canada and the USA. Group “A” regularly fulfilled its duty in the North Caucasus: it captured the leader of the “army of Dzhokhar Dudayev” Salman Raduev and destroyed him. and also freed hostages in a Beslan school.
The President of the Association of Veterans of the Alpha anti-terror unit, Sergei Goncharov, believes that Combat Veterans Day should unite post-Soviet countries, like May 9. “Victory Day, unfortunately, is the only holiday that reminds us of our common history. They are more proud of nothing else, and, of course, this is unfair. After all, Soviet soldiers performed glorious military feats not only during the period of struggle against Nazism,” said RP Goncharov.
Memorial event. Photo: Mikhail Japaridze/TASS
According to him, veterans of military operations in Soviet and post-Soviet times did something that young people can and should be proud of. “The last one is, naturally, ensuring the process of reunification of Crimea with Russia. “Polite people helped Crimeans make a free choice and not at gunpoint.” The brilliant operation of our guys is a grandiose undertaking, the fruits of which we will remember for a long time,” Goncharov noted.
RP’s interlocutor is confident that the lightning-fast and professional actions of “polite people” will someday become a legend. Goncharov believes that July 1 is a day for those who know how to do “a man’s work” and remember what an officer’s honor and dignity are. Goncharov hopes that Russian security forces will eventually be able to restore complete order in the troubled North Caucasus.
July 1st is a memorable date in Russia - Combat Veterans Day. And although it does not yet have official status, every year it becomes more and more famous in our country. Since 2009, this holiday has also been called “Day of Remembrance and Sorrow of Combat Veterans.”
This is a day of remembrance for everyone who fought for Russia, no matter in what wars and armed conflicts, fulfilling their duty to defend the Motherland. As a tribute to them - the veterans who live next to us, and to the memory of those who are no longer alive.
The idea of creation single holiday has been circulating among combat veterans who took part in numerous wars and armed conflicts on the territory of the Russian Federation and other countries for a long time. And they began to celebrate it informally at the beginning of the 21st century. This was caused by their desire to gather on one day, not tied to this or that event of the numerous wars in which they were destined to become participants (currently in our country there are separate memorable dates - Days military glory and other holidays dedicated to the history of specific military operations).
And so, in 2009, July 1 was celebrated as a day of remembrance for all participants in hostilities that took place after 1945 (and this is fighting in Afghanistan and Chechnya, in many countries of Latin America, Asia and Africa), more than 3,000 veterans voted. This was recorded in a special document, and an appeal was sent to the Government of the Russian Federation with a request to officially establish such a Day. However, this issue has not yet been resolved, since, according to the authorities, such a holiday already exists - its function is performed on February 15 (the Day of Remembrance of Russians who performed official duty outside the Fatherland).
But the initiators new date do not give up - they are sure that all veterans should have their own common date, not wanting to confuse the date of the end of the Afghan war and honoring other veterans. And, for example, unlike June 22 (the Day the Great Patriotic War began), it should be dedicated to local conflicts. This will allow you to maintain the specificity of the dates. We all remember and honor the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, of whom there are fewer and fewer every year. But in our country there remain many relatively young veterans who risked their lives and health in the interests of the Motherland after the Great Victory over Nazi Germany. They also deserve recognition and respect.
Therefore, a separate date will be an occasion to congratulate not only the military, but also employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB, as well as other participants in combat operations who are not military personnel, on Combat Veterans Day, and for all of them to once again get together and remember their fallen comrades.
It must be said that, despite the lack of official status, on July 1, Combat Veterans Day is already celebrated in an organized manner in a number of Russian regions. For example, in Moscow, the traditional meeting place for veterans of all years, places, and countries of hostilities is Poklonnaya Hill, where commemorative events begin with laying flowers at the memorial to the internationalist soldier, and then organize The cultural program with the participation of famous artists.
In other cities, event participants also begin this day by laying wreaths at the Eternal Flame, at monuments to internationalist soldiers and other memorials. In addition, recently this date has been receiving increasing attention from the media, which also contributes to the recognition and spread of the holiday. At the same time, regional authorities in a number of constituent entities of the Russian Federation also support the very idea of holding the Day of Veterans of Combat Actions and Local Conflicts.
Every morning, waking up under a peaceful sky, listening to the singing of birds, and not bomb explosions, walking with a confident step on the ground, covered with green grass, and not ashes from fires, we sometimes forget whose merit it is.
Fearless, strong people, risking themselves, entered into the fight against the enemy and prevented any encroachments of the enemy towards our Motherland. Many military conflicts of local and global significance were resolved thanks to these courageous people - combat veterans. Having exerted a lot of health, strength and combat skill, they earned a worthy right to respect.
Combat Veterans Day is celebrated in Russia on July 1. The holiday is unofficial, but among all other unofficial dates its importance is actually difficult to overestimate.
The holiday began to be celebrated in Russian Federation only a few years ago. At the general meeting, more than 3 thousand veterans voted to celebrate the memorial date on the first day of the second summer month. According to combat veterans, all participants in armed conflicts that occurred after 1945 should be united by a common day. And so that on this day we can honor not only veterans Armed Forces, but also combatants from the structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB and other law enforcement agencies.
It must be said that, despite the lack of official status, Combat Veterans Day is celebrated in an organized manner in a number of Russian regions. Thus, in Moscow, commemorative events begin with laying flowers at the memorial to the internationalist soldier on Poklonnaya Hill, and then concerts are held with the participation of famous artists.
In other cities, events begin with the laying of wreaths and flowers at the Eternal Flame and memorials: from Sevastopol to Vladivostok, from Makhachkala to Murmansk.
In Azov, on this day in 2004, a monument to fallen internationalist soldiers was inaugurated on Victory Square. The names of thirty-four city residents who laid down their lives in various conflicts that our country had to face are carved in gold letters on the monument: from conflicts on our own territory to military operations outside the country to provide international assistance to those who were officially considered allies.
It is important to note that such participation was often secret: Korea, Vietnam, African countries. Many names of fallen combat veterans remain classified secret to this day. This back side defense of the Fatherland, when the family of the deceased may not know for decades where their son/husband/brother/father died and was buried.
Over the ten years of war in Afghanistan, about 750 thousand soldiers, officers, sergeants and warrant officers were involved. This is a whole army, many of whose representatives rightfully celebrate the holiday of military veterans today.
These people carried out their assigned tasks with outstanding courage and knowledge of their craft. More than a third of the internationalist soldiers received state awards for military merits, and 90 people were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union and - later - Hero of the Russian Federation.
After the collapse of the USSR, a “favorable” situation was created for the development of new military conflicts and brutal wars. It was created, it must be admitted, not without external “help”. The Caucasus, the Balkans, Central Asia, and Transnistria caught fire. Millions of families found themselves separated by borders, new ideological principles, or a complete lack of ideas other than imposed pseudo-freedom. How many human destinies these conflicts have crushed is no longer calculable. How many people have lost relatives and friends, how many have become refugees, how many have been eaten by an asocial environment - as a variant of the syndrome of participation in hostilities.
Our people have their own participation in wars and armed conflicts, have their own list of names of heroes, both those who fell on the battlefield and, fortunately, those who lived until the end of the armed confrontation. I would like to believe that the names of veterans of the fight against terrorism, internationalist fighters - those who gave peace - will never go down in history.
Today's holiday is something that reminds us all of the participants in combat operations living next to us, and those who are no longer nearby. This day in the calendar of memorable dates is a tribute to everyone who defended the Fatherland in their hands and went through the severe trials of war.
Emerging difficulties with holding the holiday prompted veterans to resume activities to assign official status to Combat Veterans Day.
On my page on the social network Odnoklassniki, I conducted a preliminary survey on the topic: “Is there a need for a holiday that unites veterans of military operations, local wars and armed conflicts?”, which showed that out of 670 participants, 657 answered affirmatively, 8 - negatively and 5 - found it difficult to answer.
It was assumed that the public will on the establishment of the holiday would be published in the magazine “Police Trade Union” (possibly other media) and sent by official letter for consideration at the All-Russian Coordination Council of public associations of military personnel and veterans military service, law enforcement officers and members of their families. Due to the insignificant activity of representatives of public organizations who were ready to draw up appeals, consideration of the issue did not take place.
Meanwhile, Igor Bystrov from Yekaterinburg on the Change.org website (link: https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-RF-combat-veterans-should-have-their-own-memorable-date-in-historical -calendar-russia) on behalf of the participants of the V tourist rally of combat veterans of the Ural region 'Zvezda', dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War and the 120th anniversary of the birth of Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov, uniting residents of the Sverdlovsk, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Kurgan regions and the Republic of Bashkortostan sent an open letter (petition ‘Combat veterans should have their own memorial date in historical calendar Russia’) to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson State Duma Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to Sergei Naryshkin.
In his letter, he indicated that the list of memorable dates in Russia, legislated by Federal Law dated March 13, 1995 N 32-FZ (as amended on December 1, 2014) 'On days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia', does not take into account the merits of all categories of combat veterans . The provision of the law does not take into account those who liberated the territory of our country and the waters of our seas from the mines of fascist invaders, does not take into account those who defended the borders of the Fatherland in the area of Damansky Island and in the area of Lake Zhalanashkol, does not take into account those who fought terrorists in the North Caucasus, and this list goes on.
‘The history of Russia is rich in significant events. In all centuries, heroism, the courage of Russian soldiers, the power and glory of Russian weapons have been an integral part of the greatness of the Russian state. In addition to military victories, there are events worthy of being immortalized in people’s memory.
The time has come to eliminate the inconsistency of the federal laws ‘On Veterans’ and ‘On Days of Military Glory and Memorial Dates of Russia’.
On July 7, 2017, on behalf of the trade unions of law enforcement officers and the editors of the magazine ‘Police Trade Union’, I sent an official letter to the Chairman of the Central Council of the ‘Defenders of the Fatherland’ party N.V. Sobolev with a request for assistance in establishing a memorable date - Combat Veterans Day with the determination of the date of celebration - July 1.
On May 17, 2019, on the initiative of the Chairman of the Presidium of the all-Russian public organization ‘Officers of Russia’, Hero of the Russian Federation S.A. Lipovoy in Moscow, a meeting was held with the participation of veteran public associations on the issue of organizing the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Combat Veterans Day and its legalization.
During the meeting, an Organizing Committee was created, the head of which was appointed one of the founders of the holiday, Dmitry Prudnikov.
This holiday is akin to Victory Day, because it is also “with tears in our eyes.” Not all soldiers who took part in hostilities or in eliminating local conflicts are alive today. Therefore, a bright moment in memory of the heroes is an obligatory tribute that veterans pay to their colleagues on July 1.
Everlasting memory…
We are given the honor of being born in uniform,
Destiny began in Afghanistan, Chechnya,
And how many black nights there were,
And the day began with a count of friends,
Both night and day, death appeared more than once,
Leaning against his back, laughing mockingly,
With my scythe I cut both the sphere and the armor,
Hot blood flows to the ground.
Listen, oblique, here is our verdict,
No one can tarnish it.
Here BeTer irons the forest roads,
You know I'm nearby! Mines laid!
For lacerations, a shrapnel in the chest,
Only I (death) reward, they posthumously!
And how much you will suffer later,
A nightmare vision, a lost dream,
After all, life there is different, they don’t know me,
The official does not look death in the eye.
Listen, oblique, here is our verdict
We were brought up this way by a great country,
A star fell on a man's shoulder,
No one can tarnish her,
An officer's honor is dear,
For reference:
In addition to Afghanistan, Soviet troops took part in countless foreign missions in dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America after World War II. In particular, units of the Soviet army and special forces units carried out combat missions in Korea (1950–1953), Hungary (1956), Laos (1960–1970), Yemen (1961–1969), Cuba (1962), Algeria (1962– 1964), Vietnam (1961–1974), Czechoslovakia (1968), Syria (1967–1973), Angola (1975–1979), Mozambique (1967–1969, 1975–1979), Cambodia (1970), Bangladesh (1972–1973) ), Lebanon (1982) and other countries of the world, reports Military Review.
Since the late 1980s, our country has faced serious internal threats: there was an explosion of separatist sentiments and nationalism in the republics of the USSR. Soviet troops were forced to respond to events in Baku (1988–1990) and attempts to overthrow governments in the Baltic states (1990). After the collapse of the USSR, a “favorable” situation was created for the development of new military conflicts and brutal wars. It was created, it must be admitted, not without external “help”. The Caucasus, the Balkans, Central Asia, and Transnistria caught fire. Millions of families found themselves separated by borders, new ideological principles, or a complete lack of ideas other than imposed pseudo-freedom. How many human destinies these conflicts have crushed is no longer calculable. How many people have lost relatives and friends, how many have become refugees, how many have been eaten up by the antisocial environment - as a variant of the syndrome of participation in hostilities.
In the 1990s, the Russian army and special forces had to put out fires in Chechnya and Dagestan. In August 2008, in South Ossetia, Moscow carried out an operation to “enforce peace” against the unruly Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. In February-March, the “little green men” protected Crimeans from aggression from Ukraine. Since September 2015, Russia has been carrying out a military mission in Syria - the first large-scale foreign operation since the disappearance of the USSR.
It is important to note that such participation was often secret: Korea, Vietnam, African countries. Many names of deceased combat veterans remain classified secret to this day. This is the other side of protecting the Fatherland, when the family of the deceased may not know for decades where their son/husband/brother/father died and was buried.
Over the ten years of war in Afghanistan, about 750 thousand soldiers, officers, sergeants and warrant officers were involved. This is a whole army, many of whose representatives rightfully celebrate the holiday of military veterans today.
These people carried out their assigned tasks with outstanding courage and knowledge of their craft. More than a third of the internationalist soldiers received state awards for military merits, and 90 people were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union and - later - Hero of the Russian Federation.
Our people have their own history of participation in wars and armed conflicts, have their own list of names of heroes, both those who fell on the battlefield and, fortunately, those who lived to see the end of the armed confrontation. I would like to believe that the names of veterans of the fight against terrorism, internationalist fighters - those who gave peace - will never go down in history.
Today reminds us all of the participants in combat operations living next to us, and those who are no longer nearby. This day in the calendar of memorable dates is a tribute to everyone who defended the Fatherland with arms in hand and passed the severe tests of war.
1985-87 Bagram, 108 MSD
The editorial staff of Gardinfo congratulates everyone involved in this Day! You were given the opportunity to comprehend the most severe trials of life, to see what no one wants to see, to face the most difficult losses. We wish you endless health, peaceful skies above your head, peace in your soul and heart, as well as calm happiness surrounded by loved ones!
Our country celebrates many military holidays. One of them is dedicated to the memory of Russian military personnel who died in battles on the territory of our state and beyond. The holiday of combat veterans in hot spots appeared in the 2000s.
While it is not included in the federal law“On the days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia,” however, veteran public associations are trying to give it official status.
More than 3,000 veterans voted for the establishment of a holiday in memory of participants in hostilities that took place after 1945. More than 3,000 emails were sent to the website of the President of the Russian Federation with a request for approval of this date.
While it is not official, it is becoming more and more famous every year. Recently, this holiday has been increasingly covered in the media, which also contributes to its recognition and popularization.
On this day, military personnel and war veterans lay wreaths at monuments of military valor and glory, concerts are organized, and meetings of former fellow soldiers are held. In Moscow, according to an already established tradition, they are held on Poklonnaya Hill, where flowers are laid at the memorial to the internationalist soldier, and a cultural program is held with the participation of famous artists.
Similar events are organized in various regions of the country. Meetings of veterans are held in St. Petersburg, Samara, Orenburg, Chelyabinsk and other Russian cities.
When is Combat Veterans Day 2020?
The Day of Veterans of Combat Actions and Local Conflicts is celebrated annually in our country on July 1. Since 2009, the holiday has also been called “Day of Remembrance and Sorrow of Combat Veterans.”
We honor former combatants, including those who are no longer alive. These are not only military personnel, but also employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB - all those who participated in the battles that took place after 1945 - fought in Afghanistan (1979-1989), as part of the UN forces took part in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina ( 1992-2003), Kosovo (1999-2003), Sierra Leone (2000-2005), Chad and Central African Republic (2008-2010), Liberia (2003), Burundi (2004), Sudan (2005-2012), etc., in military operations on the territory of the Russian Federation (including in North Kavakz, South Ossetia, Chechnya during the military conflicts there), and since 2015 – military personnel who performed combat missions in Syria.
Fearless people, an example of courage, honor and boundless love for their homeland, real heroes, faithful to the oath, they fought against the enemy. Many soldiers received state awards for military merits, including the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of the Russian Federation.
Eternal memory to those who did not return from the battlefields! A number of the names of the victims have not been declassified to this day. It happens that military families for a long time they don’t know where he fought and was buried close person. Of course, the participants in the battles who risked their lives and health in the interests of their homeland deserve our recognition and respect.
How to congratulate you on Combat Veterans Day?
At the celebrations on the occasion of this holiday they sound nice words to the soldiers who fulfilled their duty with dignity, and congratulations on Combat Veterans Day.
***
Peaceful day, the sun is shining in the sky,
The wind plays through the leaves in the trees.
I'm on Veterans Day today
Congratulations on your silence.
The fighting has died down, the noise has ceased,
And only memory fights in a dream,
Fighting friends come with her,
That they were left on the wrong side.
Let him not know the actions of combat
Neither your son, nor your grandson, nor your brother,
You repaid your debt to your Motherland honestly,
Combat veteran, soldier.
***
Happy holiday to you, veterans!
You have no equal in courage,
No one is stronger, no one is more courageous,
There are no more beautiful feats.
You are the support, the standard,
We bow to you.
All the people, the country is proud,
There is so much to learn from you!
Let the sun shine brightly,
There will be peace on the planet
Your feat lives in our hearts
And will be remembered for centuries!
***
Let the emotional wounds not heal,
And the physical scars remain
We want to say “thank you,” veterans,
For fighting so bravely!
We want to wish you a lot of health,
As many clear days as possible for you,
And also pure happiness, great,
To make your soul warmer!
***
In the souls of our veterans
Bleeding wounds
Time helps them live,
The heart preserves memory.
On this holiday, frontline
On the day of battle courage,
I wish you guys
Live in the world and be yourself!
Congratulations on Combat Veterans Day
On July 1, 2020, Combat Veterans Day, former colleagues will remember the wars they fought in and their fallen comrades; perform at schools, colleges and universities where lessons on courage are held.
Don’t forget to send your fellow soldiers, friends and family who took part in local wars and armed military conflicts, warm words of congratulations on this holiday.
***
Hot spots, Kosovo, Afghanistan,
You won’t forget how you fought, veteran.
You risked your life
Protected and protected peace on earth!
I congratulate everyone who fought,
We mourn the fallen with peace and remember them all.
And I wish you to live to be a hundred years old,
Without knowing illness, sadness and troubles!
***
To all combat veterans
I wish you good health,
So that your families value you
And they surrounded me with sincere love.
Let every person respect
Your merits in the face of the Fatherland,
And may your whole life be happy,
And everyone remembers your heroism!
***
You've passed the battle points
In Afghanistan and Chechnya,
In Egypt, Syria, Lebanon,
Fighting for peace in war.
They honestly deserved their awards
For hard, backbreaking work.
Because they didn’t spare their lives,
In the Fatherland they call you heroes.
Thank you, dear veterans,
For dedicating your life to the fight,
We will not forget all your names,
And let your glory thunder everywhere!
***
Those who have passed hot spots,
They celebrate their holiday today.
We congratulate you from the bottom of our hearts,
We bow our heads to you!
They saved the world, but they took risks,
How much strength, patience, and courage you have!
We wish you peace, goodness,
May you never encounter troubles in life.
***
There is a war going on, and not for an hour
Conflicts will not subside
Shots are heard everywhere
And somewhere people are dying.
All those who were in the battle,
We congratulate you on the holiday,
Who defended our fragile world -
All battles and wars of participants!
May you win the battle
And the roar of war died down,
You take care of your life,
Close and dear ones.
***
Thank you for your courage and strength,
For protecting us in difficult times!
May you live long, successfully and happily,
May all grievances and sorrows pass you by.
I wish you good health today,
Don't lose heart, never be upset.
May your hearts suddenly be warmed with love,
Your life will be good and beautiful.