Defenders of the Fatherland Day Celebrations Held near Minsk

On 22 February 2020, celebrations were held to mark Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus Day.

Defenders of the Fatherland Day, celebrated on 23 February, is undoubtedly the most ‘masculine’ holiday of the year. It has a history stretching back more than a century. It is considered to have been established in 1918 as the ‘Birthday of the Red Army’. In 1922, it was officially named Red Army Day. In 1946, it became known as Soviet Army and Navy Day.

The holiday continued to be observed in Belarus after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and, since 1998, has been known as Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus Day.

First and foremost, of course, it is a day honouring those who defended and continue to defend our Motherland. It pays tribute to the memory of veterans and shows respect for those now on active duty.

However, this is not merely an official holiday, but also a popular celebration. Most people today see it as a day for all men, and rightly so. After all, every man is a defender: of his family, his home and his beliefs. Together, these form the very concept of the Motherland.

On Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus Day, military-historical reenactments of events from the last century were held at the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus endorsed the initiative and provided support.

More than 3,000 spectators gathered to watch this unique battle reenactment.

The first reenactment, ‘The Rogachev Offensive Operation’, was dedicated to the events of 1944.

The second, ‘The Battle at Kobay Kishlak’, recalled events of the war in Afghanistan.

These different events are united by the values of Courage, Duty, Honour and Friendship. Without them, survival and victory in such harsh conditions would be impossible.

Attacks and counterattacks, gunfire, deafening explosions, acrid gunsmoke, military vehicles and hand-to-hand combat.  In short, complete immersion in the atmosphere of battle, unforgettable emotions and profound reflections afterwards.

Interactive areas were also open to visitors: everyone could test their skills in a history quiz, airgun shooting, weapon assembly and disassembly, and other workshops. The most active participants in the Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) activities received certificates and commemorative prizes.  A children’s room was available for younger visitors.

View the photo report from Defenders of the Fatherland Day on 23 February