December 20 - Day of the Federal Security Service of Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on December 20 in Russia, employees of the Federal Security Service (FSB), whose work is related to maintaining internal stability in the country, celebrate their professional holiday. In 2024, this date falls on a Friday. About the history of the structure, as well as the traditions of the celebration read in the material "Izvestia".

Day of the FSB - the history of the holiday on December 20

FSB Day was established in 1995 by decree of the President of Russia. The date for it was not chosen by chance: December 20, 1917 by order of the Council of People's Commissars of Soviet Russia was created All-Russian Extraordinary Commission (VChK). It became the first specialized service, which became the basis for future Soviet and Russian state security structures.

The VChK under the leadership of Felix Dzerzhinsky protected the young Soviet state from internal counterrevolutionary activities, sabotage and sabotage. The structure had extraordinary powers to arrest, interrogate, and punish.

Over time, the VChK underwent numerous reorganizations and changes that corresponded to the requirements of the political situation and the tasks of state security. Thus, in 1922 it was transformed into the State Political Department (GPU) under the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs (NKVD) of the RSFSR, and then into the United State Political Department (OGPU) under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR. The main task of the OGPU also remained the fight against counterrevolution, but at a more centralized level.

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After Stalin's death and a series of security reforms, the service was renamed the Committee for State Security (KGB) under the USSR Council of Ministers in 1954. It existed until 1991 and came to symbolize Soviet intelligence and counterintelligence work, which included combating internal threats and espionage. The KGB had broad powers, controlling state and party structures. It became one of the most significant and prominent security services in the world.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, there was a large-scale reorganization of security agencies, the KGB of the USSR was disbanded. On its basis, Russia created the Federal Security Agency (FSA), which later transformed into the Federal Counterintelligence Service (FCS). These reorganizations reflected the new challenges of adapting to a changed political situation and threats in an open economy and the restructuring of state institutions.

In 1995, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a decree creating the FSB, which today is a comprehensive structure that includes units to combat terrorism, extremism, economic crime, information protection, and state secrets. The department plays a key role in maintaining Russia's internal stability, protecting its borders, and defense against external and internal threats.

Traditions of celebrating the Day of the Federal Security Service in 2024

At the state level, FSB Day traditionally includes ceremonial meetings attended by the leadership of the department, high-ranking officials and veterans. During these events, the results of the year are summarized, significant achievements are discussed, and awards, orders, medals and certificates of honor are presented to the best specialists for professionalism, courage and contribution to the security of the country.

Traditionally, on this day, wreath-laying ceremonies are held in Russian regions at the memorials of fallen officers to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the homeland. Various meetings and gatherings of veterans are also held to discuss topics related to state security and the history of the service.

Television often coincides with the FSB Day by showing documentaries and feature films devoted to the history of the security service in Russia, its tasks and importance. These programs help the general public to learn more about the work of the agency, its role in the fight against terrorism, extremism, organized crime and cyber threats.

Federal Security Service Day 2024: how and whom to congratulate

Congratulations to FSB employees usually have a rather formal and restrained character, which is due to the specifics of their activities. On this day, it is customary to celebrate their professionalism, courage and loyalty to the cause. Here are some examples of how this can be done:

"Dear employees and veterans of the Federal Security Service! Please accept sincere congratulations on your professional holiday! Your courage and selflessness help in the defense of the Motherland from threats. We wish your hard, often hidden from view work to be appreciated at face value!".

"We congratulate you on the Day of the FSB. You stand guard over the security of our country. Your work often remains in the shadows, but we know that it is you who are our defenders. Let there be as few risks as possible in your work, and more happiness and health in your life!"

"Dear FSB officers, we congratulate you on your professional holiday! Endurance, attentiveness and dedication - all this makes you real defenders of the Motherland. May your labor always be rewarded, and your family surrounded by warmth and care!".

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of the Day of Military Counterintelligence.