December 9 Heroes of the Fatherland Day: to whom the holiday is dedicated and how it is celebrated in Russia

December 9 is Heroes of the Fatherland Day in Russia. Every year this day honors people who have dedicated themselves to serving their homeland and were awarded with high state awards. In 2024, the celebration falls on Monday. "Izvestia" tells about the history and traditions of this memorable date.

History of the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland, celebrated on December 9

The history of the celebration of the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland is closely connected with the name of St. George the Victorious. In the XI century on this day in Russia consecrated the first temple in honor of the great martyr, founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in the name of his heavenly patron.

Later, December 9 (November 26, O.S.) 1769, by decree of Empress Catherine II was established the Order of St. George, which became the highest military award in the Russian Empire. It was awarded to servicemen of the highest ranks, who showed valor, courage and bravery in battles and battles.

For several centuries, the Day of St. George's Cavaliers was celebrated on the same date. After the October Revolution, the celebration was abolished, as well as the order itself. The status of the highest military award he again acquired only in 2000.

Seven years later, Russia celebrated the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland for the first time. The initiators of the celebration were a group of deputies of the State Duma. The authors of the bill noted that the memorable date will contribute to the formation of ideals of selfless and selfless service to the Fatherland in young people.

At the same time, today's holiday is not only a tribute to the memory of heroic ancestors, but also a tribute to all modern heroes who have been awarded honorary decorations.

Events on the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland - 2024

Traditionally, in honor of the holiday in St. George Hall of the Kremlin is held a reception with the participation of Heroes of the Soviet Union and Russia, holders of the Order of Glory and St. George. And in various cities the all-Russian action "Day of Heroes of the Fatherland" starts.

Leaflets in the form of front letters-triangles with information about the hero and his feat are distributed on the streets of cities and settlements. In this way, residents can learn more about their compatriot, whose name is on the street where they live. The participants also lay flowers at memorials and graves of soldiers, organize memorial evenings and meetings with contemporary heroes.

Another central event of the day is the military-patriotic forum "Knowledge. Heroes." The event is held for the third year in a row by the Russian society "Znanie" together with the national center "Russia". In 2024, within its framework, Heroes of Russia, veterans of combat operations, participants of the Special Military Operation (SMO) and war correspondents will address the youth. The speeches will be broadcast on the website, in the official community of the organization on the platform "VK Video" and on the air of "Znanie. TV".

In addition, one of the lessons from the series "Talks about Important Things", which are held every Monday in all Russian schools and colleges, will be dedicated to the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland. The lesson will begin with an introduction to Hero of Russia Dmitry Perminov, a participant of the counter-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus.

Interesting facts about the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland

The history of the development of award attributes in Russia goes back to the times of Ivan the Terrible. Then the military were awarded with special coins made of gold. This practice existed until the end of the XVII century. Reward system in its modern sense was formed only under Peter the Great. He also established the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.

Later came the Order of St. George. The first full cavalier of the Order was Mikhail Kutuzov. Among other holders of the honorary award - Count Mikhail Barclay de Tolly, Field Marshal General Ivan Dibich-Zabalkansky and one of the most prominent commanders of the XIX century, Ivan Paskevich.

In the modern award system of Russia, the Order of St. George follows the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. The highest title today is Hero of Russia.

In 2007, the first Russian Museum of Heroes was opened in the capital. It contains information about all the Heroes of the Soviet Union and Russia, as well as full cavaliers of the Order of Glory.

Earlier in December, Russia celebrated the Day of the Unknown Soldier. "Izvestia" told about the history of this date.