Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day: funny cards, best greetings

February 23rd is Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia. On this day, all those who serve in the Armed Forces of the country or are just preparing for it, as well as all men regardless of age and rank, are congratulated. In 2025, the celebration falls on Sunday. "Izvestia" prepared beautiful cards and congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day, which can be shared on the holiday.

Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day: beautiful pictures

The Day of the Defender of the Fatherland has quite a long history. Its first predecessor can be called the Day of the Knights of St. George, which was annually celebrated in the Russian Empire in late November, on the day of the establishment of the Order of St. George. However, the celebration was intended strictly for the holders of the honorable award. After the October Revolution of 1917, the holiday, as well as the order itself, were abolished.

Meanwhile, in Soviet Russia, the military also enjoyed great honor and respect. Especially considering the fact that the formation of the young state fell on the period of the Civil War and two world wars.

For the first time the date of February 23 became a holiday in 1919. It was established on the occasion of the celebration of the first anniversary of the creation of the Red Army. However, it was more of a commemorative event, which was then not celebrated for several years.

Celebrations resumed in 1922. The date remained the same, and the holiday became known as Red Army Day. Later it was renamed several times, until the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy, better known to the older generation, was established.

This name of the holiday was carried from 1949 until the early 1990s. Defender of the Fatherland Day appeared in 1995 and has existed for exactly 30 years. Since 2002, by decree of the President of Russia, February 23 is declared a day off every year.

In this case, if earlier with the celebration congratulated only military personnel and representatives of other security forces, including women who provide security of the country, then nowadays the date of February 23 is celebrated as a "male" holiday on a par with the "female" - March 8.

Funny postcards with February 23rd inscriptions

Traditionally, with the Day of Defender of the Fatherland congratulate not only people in uniform, but all men, regardless of their involvement in military service: husbands, sons, fathers, brothers, colleagues and friends, as well as growing up defenders.

The easiest way to remind of the celebration is to send a greeting card. You can download it for free on the Internet or create it yourself in special applications, then post it in messengers or social networks with the hashtag #Day of the Defender of the Fatherland or #23february.

Often traditional subjects are chosen for congratulations: St. George ribbons, red carnations, festive fireworks and images of military men in uniform. But often they choose funny pictures. For example, cheerful riders on toy horses, characters of popular cartoons and ancient characters.

Happy February 23: original congratulations in your own words

Postcards are often supplemented with congratulations with warm wishes. Since this is a men's holiday, then wish, mainly strength, courage, valor and devotion to the Fatherland.

Here are some examples of how to congratulate with the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland in prose with your own words:

"Dear men! I congratulate you on the Defender of the Fatherland Day! February 23 is an important date for the whole country. It reminds us of the events of the past and present, makes us think again about really important values: about family, love, duty, responsibility for our loved ones and our common future. Be steadfast, resolute and worthy of your great ancestors. Happy holiday!"

"Congratulations on the Defender of the Fatherland Day! On this courageous holiday I want to wish strength, courage, to pass all life's trials with dignity. Let every day be joyful, every word - firm, and every action - confident."

"Accept sincere words of congratulations on the Defender of the Fatherland Day! I wish you good health, happiness and well-being to your families, good luck and success in business, new victories and confidence in the future!"

"On Defender of the Fatherland Day, I wish you to remain as persistent in labor, responsive and cheerful in company, loving and caring in the family. May your work be satisfying, and your family be a reliable rear, where you can always take refuge from any worries."

"Dear servicemen! I congratulate you on the Defender of the Fatherland Day! From the bottom of my heart I wish you success in noble service to the Motherland, professional achievements, good health and energy on the way to new achievements."

"Happy Defender of the Fatherland Day, dear husband (dad, grandfather, brother). On February 23, I want to wish you to continue to be a pillar for all of us. Be healthy, successful and surrounded by the love of your loved ones! Happy Holidays!"

"Dear friend (name)! On this day I want to wish you great happiness, good health and success in all your affairs. And, of course, I wish you more loyal friends who will definitely come to your aid in case of emergency, and to all of us - stability and a peaceful sky above our heads!".

The postcards were prepared by Izvestia using photos by Pavel Bednyakov, Evgeny Biyatov, Maxim Bogodvid, Anton Denisov, Evgeny Epanchintsev, Artem Kulekin, Sergey Lantyukhov, Mikhail Metzel and Sergey Savostyanov.