July 1 — Military Veterans Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year, on July 1, Russia celebrates the Day of Combat Veterans, an unofficial holiday dedicated to all those who defended their Homeland with weapons in their hands after 1945. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday. Read about the history and traditions of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

The history of the Day of Military Veterans

At the end of 2008, the initiative to establish a holiday dedicated to all participants in the fighting was taken by the perpetrators of the celebration themselves — veterans and public organizations, including the All-Russian society "Combat Brotherhood". In July of the following year, the holiday was held for the first time in several cities of Russia.

After that, the organizers of the celebration have repeatedly attempted to make it official. They sent letters and appeals to deputies, created petitions and attracted the attention of citizens.

In 2022, a bill was sent to the State Duma to include the Day of Remembrance of Combat Veterans in the list of memorable dates in Russia. The need to adopt this law was justified by the importance of recognizing the merits of Russians who, risking their lives, defended the interests of their country in hostilities and local conflicts on the territory of the USSR, Russia and other states after 1945.

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However, the deputies considered that there were not enough grounds for establishing a new holiday and did not support the initiative. They also pointed out that the Russian Federation already has official dates dedicated to the exploits of combat participants: Memorial Day for Russians who Performed Their Official Duties Outside the Fatherland (February 15), Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23) and Heroes of the Fatherland Day (December 9).

In 2024, the proposal to create a Day of Military Veterans was made again. The corresponding bill was submitted to the State Duma by deputies of four factions. The document is currently under consideration.

Traditions of the Day of Military Veterans

Despite the fact that the holiday has not received official recognition, it annually gathers thousands of veterans and patriots from all over the country. On this day, people who have gone through combat trials traditionally come to rallies dedicated to the heroes of various wars, lay flowers and pay tribute to the memory of those who died with a minute of silence.

In Moscow, participants usually gather on Poklonnaya Gora, in St. Petersburg — on Tverskaya Street, and in Yekaterinburg — at the Black Tulip memorial. In some cities, activists organize themed concerts, exhibitions, hold meetings with colleagues, organize contests and sports competitions.

Veterans and representatives of public organizations also participate in patriotic actions for children and youth, passing on to them the values of memory and respect.

Combat Veterans Day in 2025: congratulations

On the holiday, congratulations are accepted by all participants in the fighting, regardless of rank and number of awards. These include veterans of the war in Afghanistan, Chechen conflicts, special operations to protect Donbass, etc. Here are some examples of short greetings:

"Dear veterans! I sincerely congratulate you on this significant day! Today we thank all those who defended their homeland with weapons in their hands, and we honor the memory of those who will not return from the battlefields. I wish you a peaceful sky, good health and confidence in the future!"

"Congratulations on the Day of the Combat Veteran! Thank you for your hard work and selfless service to the Fatherland. I wish you good health, mental strength, loyal friends and reliable comrades. May there be as few wars and battles in your life as possible."

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"On the Day of Combat Veterans, we congratulate all the defenders of our country. In difficult times, you have done everything possible to defend the honor and freedom of your Homeland. Your feat will forever remain in the memory of grateful descendants. We wish you long life, prosperity, peaceful skies and good news! Happy holidays!"

"Happy Military Veterans Day! Thank you for your heroism, courage and defense of the Motherland. May your strength, kindness and loyalty to your ideals become an inspiration for future generations!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Day of Remembrance and Mourning.