Airborne Forces Day is a professional holiday for serving airborne troops. Support personnel, former paratroopers, cadets and teachers of specialized higher educational institutions join the celebrations.
Meaning: the holiday is dedicated to the birthday of the airborne troops on August 2, 1930.
On this day, ceremonial meetings of veterans and employees, swimming in fountains or reservoirs, military demonstrations, personnel reviews, patriotic events, and concerts take place. Distinguished paratroopers are awarded medals, extraordinary ranks, and promoted.
history of the holiday
The memorable date dates back to August 2, 1930, when the airborne unit landed from an airplane to carry out a combat mission. This event is considered the birthday of the airborne troops, which a year later began to actively form and be introduced into the Red Army of the USSR. At first they belonged to the air force, then to the ground forces.
Airborne Forces Day began to be widely celebrated after the 50s of the 20th century. The holiday is celebrated in Russia, Belarus and other CIS countries. Official celebrations in the Russian Federation began with Decree of President V. Putin No. 549 of May 31, 2006 “On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.”
Holiday traditions
On Airborne Forces Day, official events are held at which the country's top officials and senior officials of the Ministry of Defense congratulate the military. Distinguished employees are awarded medals, awards, extraordinary titles, valuable gifts, and promoted in positions. Also on this day, parades, demonstration performances, demonstrations of weapons and military equipment, master classes in hand-to-hand combat, and concerts with the participation of pop stars are held.
On this day, serving and veteran paratroopers wear blue berets and blue and white vests. By this form they recognize and greet each other on the streets. Cars are decorated with symbols and flags of the Airborne Forces. After official events, the heroes of the occasion organize meetings in parks, squares, and outings. They sing songs and remember events from the service. Traditions of swimming in fountains and eating watermelons are also common among paratroopers.
This day is also a memorable date. Servicemen and veterans remember their fallen comrades and lay flowers at the memorials of paratroopers.
Daily task
Remember if you have ever been to a military parade. Share your experiences and photographs. If you have not had such experience in your life, find and watch documentary recordings from parades and celebrations of Airborne Forces Day in different cities of Russia.
- Hero of the Soviet Union Vasily Margelov became the most famous commander in the history of the Russian Airborne Forces. In his honor, domestic paratroopers jokingly call themselves “Uncle Vasya’s Troops.”
- Thanks to Margelov, vests became part of the official uniform of the Airborne Forces. He borrowed the idea from sailors, but the stripes were replaced with blue, the color of the sky.
- Watermelon is a frequent treat on the festive table in honor of Airborne Forces Day. This custom appeared after Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan, where watermelon is considered a festive delicacy and appears on tables at important events.
- The tradition of bathing in fountains has several explanations. According to one of them, this allows you to get closer to the sky, as it is reflected in the water. According to another version, many paratroopers who served in Afghanistan lacked this resource. Therefore, jumping into the fountain means replenishing the water deficit. Another explanation can be found in the folk calendar. Airborne Forces Day coincides with Ilya’s Day, after which, according to signs, you can’t swim. Therefore, the heroes of the occasion take advantage of the last opportunity to enjoy swimming in reservoirs.
- It is a common custom among paratroopers to apply tattoos to their bodies. The most popular design is the canopy of a parachute, decorated with a ribbon with the inscription “For the Airborne Forces” or an image of a predator with a grin - a tiger, bear or wolf.
- The paratroopers have their own motto, which is: “Nobody but us.”
Toasts
“Congratulations on Airborne Forces Day and I wish that the “blue beret” is always held in high esteem, that your courage does not fade, that your strength grows stronger every day, that you can always provide reliable protection and sure security to your family and those around you, that your heart is strong loved tirelessly, and the free soul kept happiness.”
“On Airborne Forces Day, I wish that my whole life would be like a parachute jump. Freely and easily soar above the ground with happiness under the dome of love and understanding. Let the reliable ropes of friendship and honor help you control your life, and let there always be a reserve parachute of humor and good mood behind your back, so as not to lose optimism in any situation. Happy holiday!
“The Airborne Forces are the pride and strength of the country! We sincerely want to congratulate our heroes on their well-deserved holiday! Appreciate their courage, which allowed them to join the ranks of the airborne troops to defend the Motherland. May the sky above your heads always remain cloudless and peaceful, and may your landing on your native land be safe and successful. Glory to the Fatherland and be healthy!
Present
Gift reward. A gift award in the form of a cup, certificate or medal with an original signature will serve as a pleasant gift for someone with a good sense of humor.
Army token. Jewelry in the form of an army dog tag with a personalized engraving will serve as a creative gift for a paratrooper that will remind him of the giver.
Thematic presentation. A T-shirt, cap, mug, sweatshirt, flag with the image of the Airborne Forces emblem will serve as an original thematic gift for a paratrooper on his professional holiday.
Sweet gift. As an original gift, a paratrooper can be presented with a cake in the shape of a blue beret, a parachute, or decorated with the Airborne Forces emblem.
Competitions
Strongest
Contestants are encouraged to demonstrate strength. To do this, they need to do push-ups on one arm or squat on one leg. The participant who manages to complete the exercise the maximum number of times wins.
Minefield
Several people take part in the competition. Before carrying out the exercise, the presenter places obstacles on a free, flat area, which can be used as improvised materials: chairs, bottles, balls, boxes, etc. Participants in the competition must carefully examine the “minefield” and remember the location of the obstacles that they will have to get around. Then the contestants are blindfolded with a tight bandage, and at this time all obstacles are removed from the field. At the command of the presenter, the participants begin to perform a task, during which a very funny picture is created. Prizes are awarded by the audience by applause.
Army cuisine
To conduct the competition, it is necessary to prepare a bucket of raw potatoes and knives for cleaning, corresponding to the number of participants in the competition. During the allotted time, accompanied by rhythmic music, the contestants must peel as many potatoes as possible. The fastest participant wins.
About the profession
Airborne troops (Airborne Forces) are a branch of the Armed Forces. They are designed to carry out offensive operations on land and airspace, defend areas, communications and fight the enemy, including in his rear. They are considered an elite unit and have a specialized material and technical base.
Airborne Forces personnel perform dangerous and responsible tasks and often fight against superior enemy forces. They are primarily involved in offensive operations, which involve large losses in equipment and manpower. Some formations are preparing to parachute behind the front line. Their defense time can last several hours. If the main forces do not come to the rescue, the unit is broken up.
Employees receive special weapons that are designed for the tasks of this type of troops. The organizational and staffing structure is organized on the principle of divisions. Warriors can be in artillery, anti-aircraft, missile regiments, communications battalions, repair battalions, reconnaissance and medical companies. Russian airborne troops took part in all military conflicts in the country.
This holiday in other countries
In Belarus, the holiday is called the Day of Paratroopers and Special Operations Forces and was established by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated March 26, 1998 No. 157 (as amended on July 30, 2010 No. 397). Just like in Russia, the celebration takes place on August 2.
In Ukraine, on November 21, on the Day of the Archangel Michael, employees of the Airborne Assault Troops of the Ukrainian Armed Forces celebrate their professional holiday. The date of the holiday was chosen due to the fact that the paratroopers consider the saint their patron.
Congratulations
I want to congratulate you on Airborne Forces Day!
Let all tasks be within your reach.
I wish you love and strong hands,
To have a reliable, loyal friend nearby.
I wish from the bottom of my heart not to be tired,
And new, unexplored heights.
May your family always wait for you at home,
Let trouble pass you by!
Let this holiday of paratroopers
It will give a lot of warmth and light.
I wish you strength and health,
And protect the country with love!
What date is Airborne Forces Day (Airborne Forces Day) in 2021, 2022, 2023
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 August Mon | 2 August Tue | 2 August Wed |
One of the most famous professional holidays in our country is Airborne Forces Day. On this day you can see on the streets not only many strong guys in blue berets, but also veterans with medals proudly shining on their jackets. When do they celebrate their holiday, how and why on this day?
What is the Airborne Forces?
The airborne troops are one of the most elite branches of the military in our country. Many young guys who have just graduated from school dream of joining the Airborne Forces, so that after completing their service they can proudly wear a blue beret on Paratroopers’ Day.
Tough selection, serious training and glorious military traditions turn yesterday's schoolboy into a strong, courageous and determined man. Well, the time spent under the canopy of the parachute, in the infantry fighting vehicle, as well as constant training battles and forced marches, remains forever in the memory of every paratrooper. After all, by definition they are not former.
Who is "Uncle Vasya"?
Sometimes the Airborne Forces are jokingly deciphered as “Uncle Vasya’s troops.” Who is this? The humorous transcript of the Airborne Forces was received in honor of Army General Vasily Filippovich Margelov. It was he who was the commander of the Airborne Forces from 1954 to 1959, as well as from 1961 to 1979. The paratroopers owe a lot to General Margelov - from their appearance to important tactical techniques that allowed them to achieve a special advantage over the enemy.
For example, it was Uncle Vasya, as his subordinates jokingly called him, who changed the crimson berets of the paratroopers to blue ones - in honor of the clear sky, the element to which they belong. He also introduced vests into the uniform, which are today an integral part of their wardrobe.
One of the most spectacular tactical innovations introduced by Margelov was the landing of landing vehicles along with their crew. This risky technique made it possible to win several precious minutes on the battlefield, giving the fighters a serious head start, often ensuring victory. In addition, light armor provided the paratroopers with protection from enemy light small arms. In other countries, all attempts to carry out a similar landing ended in death or serious injuries for military personnel.
During the first tests, Margelov put his own son, who at that time was serving in the Airborne Forces, in the BMD (airborne combat vehicle).
It was under this general that the landing force acquired previously unknown mobility and combat effectiveness.
When is it celebrated?
Many people are interested in finding out on what day the Airborne Forces celebrate their professional holiday. The answer to this question is very simple - August 2. This date was approved by order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation in 2006. However, the holiday existed long before that, although it was unofficial. In many cities of Russia we met old colleagues who spent a year or two, and sometimes much more, in harsh conditions, who more than once risked their lives and shed blood for their country and people.
Why August 2?
The holiday - Airborne Forces Day - was not appointed to this date by chance. The fact is that it was on August 2 that the parachute landing of a military unit was carried out for the first time in 1930. In front of the highest military officials, a dozen people jumped with parachutes, demonstrating the ability to land fairly large groups of people at any point, including behind enemy lines, in a short time.
Such an innovative solution made it possible to change the outcome of the battle, and was appreciated by experts. As further practice has shown, this is absolutely true. It was mobility and excellent training that allowed the Soviet paratroopers to fight on equal terms with the elite German troops - the green SS divisions, which marched across all European countries, sweeping away any resistance that came their way.
More than once, the “blue berets” demonstrated martial art and subsequently - in numerous battles fought abroad, as well as during the wars in Chechnya. Even the most desperate bandits were scared to death of these simple guys in vests. And deservedly so - history knows many examples when a handful of brave men held off many times superior enemy forces, always fulfilling the assigned task, even if sometimes at the cost of their lives.
In which countries is this holiday celebrated?
On August 2, congratulations on Airborne Forces Day are heard in almost all countries of the former Soviet Union. Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and many others - after all, in each of them live former and current soldiers and officers who, with sweat and blood, earned the right to wear blue berets.
However, this geography is not limited to the territory of the USSR. After all, after the collapse of a powerful power, many former and current military personnel left for other countries, swearing allegiance to the Soviet Union and not wanting to swear allegiance to other states. But still, they did not forget about the privilege of wearing well-deserved military orders, and every year on August 2 they proudly put on a blue beret to celebrate Airborne Forces Day together with all their colleagues, regardless of whether they are in other countries or have already left the world of the living.
How do the Blue Berets celebrate their day?
There are no uniform rules on how to celebrate Airborne Forces Day. But usually paratroopers gather in pre-agreed places - in many large cities there have long been traditional places for celebration. For example, in Moscow this is Poklonnaya Gora and the Central Park of Culture and Culture named after. Gorky, in Almaty - also in the eponymous Central Park of Culture and Culture named after. Gorky, in Vitebsk - on Victory Square, in Donetsk - in the Shcherbakov Park and so on.
Usually on this day young paratroopers meet veterans who have gone through many wars. They congratulate each other, get to know each other, strengthening the unbreakable bonds of army brotherhood. Often in such places trade in souvenirs and various handicrafts takes place. Charity events and folk festivals are also held here.
Unfortunately, quite often on the Internet and in the press you can see photos discrediting Airborne Forces Day - drunk men swimming in fountains, mass fights and much more.
But this is only a small, albeit well-publicized group of rowdy people who can be found in almost any community. But they can be countered with many glorious deeds. For example, many fighters from the winged infantry, having agreed in advance, buy toys and sweets while visiting orphanages and hospitals. This is not a one-time event, but it is extremely popular. Young guys and veterans take part in it with equal pleasure.
And, perhaps, only those paratroopers who prefer to help unfortunate children, instead of swimming drunk in fountains, have the right to wear blue berets and be called the shield of Russia.
Which saint is their patron?
Representatives of the Orthodox religion who have served or are serving in the ranks of the Airborne Forces consider the prophet Elijah their patron. The fact is that for his sincere faith and struggle against idolatry, he was taken to heaven alive - “he ascended on a chariot and horses of fire.” Very similar to airborne traditions. And its day is celebrated on August 2 - exactly at the same time when the foundation was laid for the creation of the Airborne Forces.
Conclusion
Now you know when Airborne Forces Day is celebrated, why this particular date was chosen for celebration, and you have also learned a little more about the glorious military history and traditions for which this branch of the military is famous. So if there are people in your circle who shed blood and sweat, earning a blue beret and serving their Motherland, do not forget to congratulate them on August 2. After all, they fully deserve it.
Airborne Forces Day is one of the most exciting events in early August. On this day, the central streets and parks of cities are colored with vests and berets the color of the endless blue sky.
Airborne Forces Day: Day of Remembrance, Day of Glory
The holiday of the “winged infantry” is celebrated by those who serve in the airborne forces, as well as by those who have ever served in military service, contract service or were career military personnel.
On Airborne Forces Day, it is customary not only to show intense joy about the professional holiday, but also to remember those who died fulfilling their military duty to the Motherland or international duty, as well as all those who did not live to see the next holiday of the army elite.
When and why is Airborne Forces Day celebrated?
At the beginning of the third month of summer, on the day of the Prophet Elijah, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia celebrate the professional holiday of paratroopers. And in the calendar for such a holiday as Airborne Forces Day, the date August 2 was not chosen by chance. The USSR is considered the founder of airborne troops in all its manifestations in various countries of the world. General Guderian talks about this in his book. On August 2, 1930, during the exercises of the Moscow Military District, for the first time in world history, a combat jump with parachutes was carried out by a group of twelve people who, after landing, were to carry out a combat mission. And already in 1931, the first airborne unit numbering 164 people was created. In 1932, the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR adopted a resolution on the formation of the Airborne Forces.
Already during the Great Patriotic War, the command of the Red Army actively used airborne units to conduct operations behind enemy lines and in the front line. Gradually, the role of the “winged infantry” in the tactical formations of the armed forces increased, and accordingly, the number of personnel of the army elite increased. The celebration of Paratrooper's Day reached a wide scale in the late 80s, when internationalist soldiers began returning from Afghanistan, most of whom tried on the blue vest.
In 2010, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 2006 No. 549, in order not to violate historically established traditions, to celebrate such a bright event as Airborne Forces Day, the date August 2 was determined to honor the heroic paratroopers and the memory of the brave paratroopers who died.
Airborne Forces Day: traditions
Celebrations on the occasion of Airborne Forces Day take place every year on August 2. The holiday of all who serve or have served in active military service in the airborne troops coincides with the day of the Prophet Elijah, who is considered the patron saint of this elite branch of the military. Therefore, holding a religious procession has become a tradition. In the capital, the procession route usually runs from the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah to Red Square. Also in cathedrals, temples and churches, a liturgy is held for the untimely departed soldiers in blue berets.
On Airborne Forces Day, demonstration performances are held by military personnel of airborne troops. The program of such performances, which attract large numbers of ordinary people, includes hand-to-hand combat, parachute jumping, simulated fire combat, as well as demonstrations of strength and endurance. The latter most often manifests itself through breaking bricks on the head, palm or fist, as well as breaking glass containers on the forehead. In addition, commemorative concerts are held in parks, concert venues, officers’ houses, and theaters, most often by bards and musical groups with a repertoire on military themes.
Since the creation of the airborne troops, military personnel of highly mobile units took part in the Second World War and all armed conflicts without exception on the territory of the former USSR. Therefore, one of the main traditions is laying wreaths at monuments and memorials dedicated to paratroopers or internationalist soldiers, among whom there were also many holders of blue berets.
Ex-servicemen celebrating Paratroopers Day also cause a lot of fuss on the roads. After all, one of the elements of the overall action is driving cars in a column or individually with waving flags.
In addition, Army General V.F. Margelov is buried in the capital, who made many efforts to ensure that the landing force became truly elite, equipped with the most advanced weapons and equipment. On August 2, many paratroopers gather at the Novodevichy cemetery in the Russian capital to lay flowers at his gravestone. The laying also takes place at the Troyekurovskoye and Kuntsevskoye cemetery, where the paratrooper generals are buried.
- Uncle Vasya's troops - this is the comic name the airmobile troops received, precisely after Lieutenant General Vasily Filipovich Margelov was appointed commander-in-chief. Also General Margelov V.F. also called “Father Airborne Forces”.
- Probably the most striking tradition, which, thanks to the media, has become firmly entrenched in human consciousness, is the bathing of troops in blue and white vests in fountains. It is not surprising that on August 2, utilities in many large cities turn off fountains and give their employees a day off to minimize the damage caused. Of course, this does not apply to the fountains of the capital.
- On Air Force Day, unprecedented measures are taken to maintain public order; additional police patrols are sent, often reinforced by a dog handler or special police units. This is primarily due to the fact that, under the influence of drunk alcohol, many simply lose control over the situation and, at best, simply behave in an indecent manner: pester passers-by, use foul language. In the worst case, it all ends in a mass fight and pogroms.
Meeting places on Airborne Forces Day
One of the traditions is the gathering of paratroopers who have served their service in parks and squares, squares and just streets in order to together remember those who did not live to see the next celebration, those who laid down their lives on the battlefields, or simply remember together their army service. And for each locality, meeting places are traditionally determined.
Airborne Forces Day in Moscow
In the capital of Russia, the main meeting place is the park named after. Gorky. Gorky Park is a place of mass celebrations.
Also, another meeting place is the main memorial of military glory, Poklonnaya Gora, where quieter demobilizers gather, sometimes with children and families, whose goal is to remember old friends and warriors who have fallen asleep in eternal sleep.
Airborne Forces Day in St. Petersburg
In the city on the Neva, ex-paratroopers meet on Palace Square and Krestovsky Island.
Airborne Forces Day in Kyiv
In the capital of Ukraine, everyone involved in the holiday of the “winged infantry” gathers on Independence Square, near the monument to internationalist soldiers. But the main meeting place is the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.
Airborne Forces Day in Donetsk
On Airborne Forces Day, retired soldiers gather in the Shcherbakov Park, as well as near the monument to fallen soldiers who fell in Afghanistan.
Airborne Forces Day in Minsk
The Island of Tears and Chelyuskintsev Park serve as the main meeting places for paratroopers in the capital of Belarus.
Airborne Forces Day Kharkov
Like Moscow, in Kharkov, Gorky Park is considered the main meeting place for airborne troops.
Airborne Forces Day Rostov-on-Don
Another city that has a Gorky Park, which is also a favorite place where people in blue berets gather for their professional holiday.
Airborne Forces Day in other cities
On August 2 every year, in many localities, paratroopers traditionally gather in central squares and streets, in parks, where you can always hear the motto of the paratroopers “Nobody but us!” or the words from the song “...blue splashed....” dear to everyone who wore a blue beret.
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On August 1, 2018, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu unveiled a monument to Margelov on Polikarpov Street in Moscow. The opening ceremony of the monument was attended by Margelov’s son, veteran of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Colonel General Vitaly Margelov, Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee Vladimir Shamanov and Chairman of the Union of Russian Paratroopers Valery Vostrotin.
The head of the Ministry of Defense noted that Margelov personifies an entire era in the formation and development of the Airborne Forces: “Thanks to General Margelov, the airborne assault force was equipped with the most modern equipment, and new methods of using it were tested. The iron will, organizational talent and front-line hardening of the commander made it possible to form the invincible spirit of the “blue berets”, turning them into a mobile and formidable strike force that has no equal in the world.”
“In the Airborne Forces, it is allowed to wear, at the direction of the commander, in everyday and field summer uniforms (who are required by the norm), a blue beret, a summer open cotton jacket and khaki-colored trousers in boots, boots, equipment,” says the order of the Ministry of Defense dated July 26, 1969, signed by Marshal Grechko.
However, the paratroopers did not wear crimson berets for long. Soon, General Ivan Lisov proposed changing the color of the hats to blue. This idea was enthusiastically supported by Margelov himself, and in 1969 it was finally approved. It is believed that this color was chosen because it is most associated with the sky. At least once in history - during the entry of troops into Czechoslovakia - the color of the beret caused confusion. The Soviet paratroopers were initially considered UN military personnel, who also wore blue hats.
By the way, the paratroopers owe their current uniform to Margelov. When the design of the uniform was being developed, the artist Alexander Zhuk prepared two versions of the headdress: crimson and protective colors, but the latter remained only on paper. But the crimson beret was approved in 1967, and Margelov himself put a resolution on it: “Keep it for parades in Moscow!”
“Personally, Comrade Margelov is disciplined, efficient, demanding of himself and his subordinates, he makes decisions quickly and reacts sensibly to the situation,” the document notes, “The division is prepared, morally stable, capable of carrying out combat missions.”
From Margelov’s combat characteristics: “He showed himself to be tactically competent, proactive, and capable of managing the formation’s battle. He knows the tactics of modern combat and can build cooperation between military branches. (...) Much attention is paid to putting together the division’s personnel during the period of combat training reviews; the division has shown itself to be a combat-ready unit - ready for offensive battles.”
During the Great Patriotic War, he commanded a rifle regiment, was chief of staff and deputy commander of a rifle division. In 1944, Margelov was appointed commander of the 49th Guards Rifle Division of the 28th Army of the 3rd Ukrainian Front. Under his leadership, the crossing of the Dnieper and the liberation of Kherson took place. For this, in March 1944 he was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Under his command, the 49th Guards Rifle Division took part in the liberation of the countries of South-Eastern Europe. In 1967 he was awarded the rank of army general.
In the Soviet-Finnish War (1939-1940), Margelov commanded the Separate Reconnaissance Ski Battalion of the 596th Infantry Regiment of the 122nd Division. He captured officers of the Swedish General Staff during one of the operations.
The paratroopers themselves unofficially decipher the abbreviation VDV not as Airborne Forces, but as Uncle Vasya's Troops. “Uncle Vasya” is the name given to the commander of the Airborne Forces in 1954-1959 and 1961-1979, Vasily Margelov.
Not all paratroopers spend the Airborne Forces day in fountains with watermelon and booze. On this day, Krasnoyarsk employees donated blood to those in need. Some of them are “honorary donors.” In addition, at the end of the holiday, the paratroopers intend to visit a charity foundation and provide financial assistance to sick children.
And near Vologda, meanwhile, Santa Claus himself decided to congratulate the paratroopers, no matter how strange it may sound. At the Trufanovo airfield, at the Open Sky festival dedicated to Airborne Forces Day, the winter wizard decided to try himself as a paratrooper and jumped with a parachute from a height of 2.2 thousand meters.
And this is how Airborne Forces Day passed in Tula.
The park has thoroughly prepared for the celebration: there is a festive concert on Pushkinskaya Embankment from 13:00, and some of the establishments on the territory have stopped working just in case. In particular, if you are not a paratrooper and suddenly, having forgotten yourself, find yourself in the park, you will not be able to get into the Gorky Park Museum and the observation deck of the Main Entrance Arch, into the souvenir shop, use the rental points in the ground floor or go to the Garage. Some cafes are also closed.
Gorky Park is traditionally considered the main venue where paratroopers gather in Moscow. As in previous years, the main entrance is decorated in honor of the holiday: this time with laconic striped flags, on which the white letters of the Airborne Forces can be discerned.
Muscovites write on social networks that in the center of the capital, paratroopers, distraught because the fountains were turned off, are tearing out the pipes of irrigation systems and organizing their own ritual baths. In addition, the “blue berets” encourage people to go swimming in the Moscow River. More like Internet trolling, although, of course, in such heat and the muddy waters of the Moscow River seem attractive. The Gazeta.Ru correspondent has not yet been able to see where the brawl described on social networks is going on. However, it’s not evening yet.
After this, the paratroopers noticed a police detachment approaching them. Although the law enforcement officers looked decisive and menacing, the conversation with the airborne troops did not last long. “Guys, just be careful, no one wants problems. Happy holiday to you!” said one of the policemen and left with his colleagues.
It turns out that there is a special offer for paratroopers on Manezhnaya Square today. A man dressed as Vladimir Monomakh approached the group in blue berets and said: “We can take a photo for you on this day for free.” Without thinking twice, the young people surrounded the “king” and took a memorable photo. A girl dressed as a crazy empress ran up to him.
During the photo shoot, a foreigner walked nearby who happened to be in Moscow on a holiday. There was one question in his eyes: “What is going on here?” Noticing his interest, the paratroopers put a bottle of vodka on the ground and decided to invite the guest of the capital for a joint photo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already congratulated the personnel and veterans of the Russian Airborne Forces on their holiday. “The Russian Airborne Forces have a rich and glorious history, of which the current generation of soldiers and officers is rightfully proud. Your predecessors served the Motherland with faith and truth, in the most difficult situations they invariably demonstrated the highest competence, composure and personal courage, and sacredly maintained their devotion to the military brotherhood,” reads the congratulatory message published on the Kremlin website.
Let's take a look at the center of Moscow. It's +29 degrees outside. But who ever stopped? A fountain has recently appeared on Birzhevaya Square - it was already tested by excited fans during the World Cup. Now paratroopers are approaching him along with their families, a Gazeta.Ru correspondent reports. Turquoise shorts and a white T-shirt - kids fit perfectly into the holiday atmosphere. However, at the intersection of Birzhevaya Square and Ilyinka they will be disappointed. Today, as luck would have it, the fountain was turned off. After standing for no more than two minutes, company after company leaves the square in search of a more humid place. Following them are squads of police. It seems that today there are more of them than Muscovites who decided to take a walk in the center.
Airborne Forces Day is a memorable date established in May 2006 by decree of the President of Russia - the holiday is intended to contribute to the revival and development of domestic military traditions.
Paratroopers, also called “winged infantry”, “blue berets” and so on, are a symbol of courage, reliability and strength. The principle of the airborne troops: “Nobody but us!”
History of airborne troops
The birthday of the Airborne Forces is considered to be August 2, 1930. On this day, the first parachute landing was carried out in the USSR. Only 12 Red Army soldiers took part in the landing, which took place during the exercises of the Air Force of the Moscow Military District near Voronezh.
The experiment was considered successful and in 1933 special-purpose aviation battalions were formed in the Moscow, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Volga military districts. Subsequently, modern Airborne Forces grew out of them.
© photo: Sputnik / Nikolai Khizhnyak
By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, five Airborne Corps were fully formed in the USSR - each numbering up to ten thousand people. From the first days of the war, they fought defensive battles in the Baltic states, Belarus and Ukraine in cooperation with other ground forces.
The famous Prokhorovka near Kursk was defended for more than a day by the 9th Guards Airborne Division - in this battle the paratroopers destroyed about 500 Nazi soldiers.
The “winged infantry” fought in Moldova, on the Karelian Front, in Hungary, and they liberated Vienna, the capital of Austria.
It was thanks to the airborne forces that landed in Port Arthur, Harbin, Mukden, Pyongyang and South Sakhalin that Japan’s actions in the Far East were completely paralyzed.
The feat of the paratroopers, who fought with unparalleled courage and heroism, is reflected in Soviet military prose, poetry, and cinema. Bulat Okudzhava’s favorite song, “We need one victory,” is dedicated to the airborne troops.
The song “Our Tenth Airborne Battalion” was first heard in Andrei Smirnov’s film “Belorussky Station” and unconditionally entered our lives.
Airborne units continued to perform feats in the post-war period. The famous 9th company in January 1988, despite the tenfold numerical superiority of the enemy, was able to hold height 3234, repelling more than 12 Mujahideen attacks before the arrival of the reconnaissance platoon. At that time, the 9th company had only five people left in the ranks.
Since 2005, airborne units, according to their specialization, have been divided into airborne, air assault and mountain - the 98th and 106th Guards Airborne Divisions are part of the former.
The second includes the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of two regiments and the 31st Guards Separate Air Assault Brigade of three battalions, and the 7th Guards Air Assault Division (Mountain) belongs to the third.
Uncle Vasya's troops
The abbreviation VDV, as everyone knows, means Airborne Troops. The paratroopers themselves decipher the Airborne Forces as Uncle Vasya's Troops. This is how they lovingly call the famous commander of the Airborne Forces Vasily Margelov - he headed this branch of the military from 1954 to 1959 and from 1961 to 1979.
The airborne troops acquired blue berets and vests thanks to “Uncle Vasya.” Before this, airborne troops wore crimson berets. The landing of people directly in combat vehicles also began thanks to “Uncle Vasya”.
This historical fact happened on January 5, 1973 - Margelov put his son in the first BMD, which was supposed to be thrown out of the plane, and personally closed the hatch behind him.
© photo: Sputnik / Lev Polikashen
With paratroopers inside, the military equipment, when lowered, could immediately go into battle without waiting for the crews to descend with their parachutes. So the Airborne Forces acquired their irresistible mobility under “Uncle Vasya”.
Margelov was able to create in the airborne troops that special spirit, thanks to which service in the Airborne Forces began to be considered especially prestigious.
Airborne Forces Day
The Day of the Airborne Forces is celebrated by soldiers of the Airborne Forces of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other CIS countries. Current and former airborne troops will gather, according to tradition, in different cities of Russia, remembering the years of their service.
Festive and commemorative events take place on Airborne Forces Day throughout Russia - demonstrations of paratroopers and paratroopers are organized, demonstrations of military equipment that are in service with the airborne troops, and so on.
On this day, Airborne Forces veterans are honored - charity events and festive concerts are held. On the holiday, they don’t forget the fallen heroes - on Airborne Forces Day they lay flowers at the monument to paratroopers and their burial places, and also hold funeral services.
Airborne troops are never former - they remain them for life, so a huge army of paratroopers on Airborne Forces Day takes to the streets of Russian cities and celebrates their professional holiday on a grand scale, from the heart, like no other.
© photo: Sputnik / Ilya Pitalev
At the same time, the “blue berets” will selflessly and heroically defend their homeland, since they are always where it is most dangerous - in the thick of it.
The airborne troops have their own patron - the prophet Elijah, whose memorial day the Orthodox Church also celebrates on August 2.
The material was prepared based on open sources
