August 2 — Airborne Forces Day: history, traditions, greetings and gift ideas

Every year on August 2, Russia celebrates the Day of the Airborne Troops (Airborne Forces), a professional holiday for paratroopers. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the celebration, as well as shares greetings and postcards for the Blue Berets.

The history of the Airborne Forces Day in Russia

The founding day of the Airborne Forces is considered to be August 2, 1930. At that time, exercises of the Moscow Military District were held near Voronezh, during which a combat group of 12 people landed for the first time.

The fighters were led by Leonid Minov, commander of the brigade of the USSR Air Force, an enthusiast of parachuting. A few days earlier, at the same airfield, he demonstrated to Soviet pilots the principle of parachute operation, making the first successful jump from an airplane in the history of the Soviet Union. In memory of this event, an unofficial Parachutist Day is celebrated in Russia.

However, on August 2, the training maneuvers were much more difficult. The first landing group, led by Minov, took off in a Farman F-62 Goliath bomber around 09:00 a.m. They landed from a height of 350 m, followed by two R-1 aircraft dropping ammunition. While the soldiers who landed first were unpacking, the second group landed nearby. A few minutes later, the units met and went to a given point.

The speed and effectiveness of the landing, demonstrated during the exercises, proved the importance of airborne units for the further development of the army. Already in 1931, the first amphibious units were formed on the territory of the Leningrad Military District, from which the country's airborne forces were formed in 1932. By 1933, they consisted of 29 battalions and brigades.

In river mode: how the paratroopers liberated the islands in the Dnieper delta

Airborne units are successfully conducting assault operations in the Kherson area

Subsequently, the paratroopers proved themselves in many military conflicts. They participated in the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-1940 and in the operation to annex Bessarabia to the USSR. During the Great Patriotic War, 296 paratroopers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

The modern image of the Airborne Forces was formed by Vasily Margelov, commander of the Airborne Forces from 1954 to 1959 and from 1961 to 1979. Under his leadership, the concept of rapid transfer of amphibious assault groups and military equipment over long distances for use in strategic operations was developed. Thanks to him, the paratroopers also received their legendary uniforms — blue berets and vests. To this day, in memory of Margelov, the military jokingly calls the Airborne Forces "Uncle Vasya's troops."

Until the end of the 20th century, the Airborne Forces were not a separate branch of the armed forces. Until 1946, they were classified as the Air Force, and after that as the Ground Forces. The paratroopers gained their "independence" only in 1991. At the same time, the mass celebration of Airborne Forces Day began. The date of the first exercises near Voronezh had been celebrated before, but the tradition was not widespread.

Airborne Forces Day received its official status in May 2006, when the President of Russia signed a corresponding decree. Today it is included in the list of professional holidays and memorable dates of the Russian Federation.

Traditions of Airborne Forces Day in 2025

Airborne Forces Day in Russia is celebrated on a grand scale: on August 2, concerts, exhibitions and other events dedicated to paratroopers are held throughout the country. Large—scale car rallies are held in many cities, with dozens of cars and motorcycles decorated with Airborne Forces flags passing through the streets.

One of the most famous traditions of the holiday is bathing in fountains. It is not known for certain where she came from. According to one version, the paratroopers miss the sky, so they can't resist seeing its reflection in the fountain.

Another legend says that in this way military personnel pay tribute to the patron saint of the Airborne Forces, the prophet Elijah. The feast in honor of the saint also falls on August 2, and in Russia on this day it was customary to wash with spring water. It is difficult to find a spring in the city, so the paratroopers plunge into the fountains. Anyway, today bathing in fountains is prohibited in most regions of Russia, and in some cities water facilities are completely turned off during the holiday.

Immersion in the material: how Airborne cadets are taught to fight underwater

The Ryazan Command School has been training combat divers for the special forces of the Ministry of Defense for 10 years.

On August 2, Orthodox military personnel attend divine services dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. In Moscow, paratroopers traditionally gather on Ilyinskaya Street, where the annual procession with the icon of the saint begins.

Another feature of the Airborne Forces Day is eating watermelons. The striped berry became a part of the celebration in the 1990s. According to one version, the paratroopers who returned from Afghanistan began to treat themselves to it. But there is another explanation: by the beginning of August, watermelons finally ripen and become especially tasty.

Congratulations and postcards on Airborne Forces Day

On Airborne Forces Day, active paratroopers, veterans and students of specialized educational institutions receive congratulations. Traditionally, fighters are wished courage, mental and physical strength, safe service and loyal comrades. Izvestia has prepared colorful postcards and warm wishes for the culprits of the celebration.

"Congratulations on Airborne Forces Day! May the sky always be clear, the wind fair, the dome reliable, the slings strong, and the landing point free of obstacles. I wish you good health, successful landings, loyal friends and a cozy home!"

"Dear soldiers of the Airborne Troops, congratulations on your professional holiday! You are the elite of the Russian army, the pride of the country and an example for the younger generation. Thank you for your professionalism and bravery both in training and in combat. We wish you productive service, good health and endless happiness like the sky!"

"Congratulations on the holiday of real men, happy Airborne Forces Day! I wish you easy and fast takeoffs, successful landings, loyal friends and strong family ties. May heaven be kind to you, and may peace and quiet reign on earth!"

"Happy Airborne Day, dear paratrooper! May love always live in your heart — for heaven, Homeland, comrades and loved ones. I wish you fulfillment of your most cherished desires, good health and joy from every day you live!"

What to give for Airborne Forces Day

Airborne Forces Day is a special holiday for all paratroopers. Therefore, on August 2, the fighters should be pleased not only with warm words, but also with symbolic gifts. Here are some gift ideas for the Blue Berets:

• a souvenir with the symbols of the Airborne Forces is a flag of the Airborne Troops, a vest, a blue beret, a keychain, a mug, a statuette or a T—shirt. Such a gift will remind the paratrooper of his service and show that his loved ones are proud of his achievements.;
• practical gifts for every day — a leather belt or wallet, a comfortable backpack, a power bank, a shockproof phone case, sneakers or trekking shoes, a thermos;
• Hobby—related gifts include a board or computer game, a gift edition of a book, sports equipment, a set of tools and accessories for a car, fishing gear, etc. d.;
• gifts-impressions — flying in an air tube, a joint photo shoot, a certificate for playing paintball or laser tag, relaxing with friends in nature;
• universal gifts — elite alcohol, army souvenirs.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Russian Navy Day.