In 2018, February 23 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the holiday dedicated to all the defenders of Belarus. Defenders of the Fatherland Day acquired its familiar name in 1993, but its essence has remained unchanged for a hundred years: to give memory and respect to everyone who risks their lives for the sake of a peaceful sky above their heads.

The role of Belarus in the Great Patriotic War

World War II was the largest battle in the history of mankind and the contribution of Belarus was disproportionately large. Every third Belarusian participated in hostilities, which lasted over 3 years. The losses are staggering: out of 270 cities, 209 were destroyed or looted, more than 5,000 villages were destroyed. Many military scenes formed the basis of the paintings Belarusian artists of those years.

The Belarusian land was occupied, but this did not prevent the creation of the largest underground partisan movement in Europe. Thanks to him, he was able to dozens of successful fights against the enemy and help not only soldiers, but also civilians. By the end of 1943, the partisan movement controlled more than 60% of the occupied territory. In addition, there were about 1200 partisan detachments, which included more than 300 thousand courageous soldiers.

In three years heroic struggle behind enemy lines (from June 1941 to July 1944) partisans and underground accomplished many feats :

• Killed and wounded about half a million German invaders and their accomplices
• Destroyed 11,128 enemy trains and 34 armored trains, defeated 29 railway stations, 948 enemy headquarters and garrisons
• They blew up more than 18,700 vehicles, more than 300,000 rails, blew up and burned 819 railway and 4,710 other bridges, destroyed over 7,300 km of telephone and telegraph communication lines
• They shot down 305 aircraft, knocked out 1355 tanks and armored vehicles, destroyed 438 guns of various calibers, 939 military depots.

Subsequently, thousands of soldiers, commanders and generals received ranks Hero of the Soviet Union.

The exploits of Belarusians in WWII

Lev Mikhailovich Dovator (born February 20, 1903, native of the Beshenkovichi region) - commander of the famous cavalry corps, courageously defending the Soviet Union. Lev Mikhailovich's attack strategy could not be predicted by any of the opponents.

His cavalry smashed the headquarters and garrisons of the enemy, undermined bridges, destroyed communication lines, helped to liberate villages and cities. The Cossacks called him their favorite general and composed songs about the legendary Dovarov. The German fascists, trying to take revenge on Lev Mikhailovich, completely burned his native village. They even appointed for his capture an unimaginable reward for those times - 100 thousand Reichsmarks.

Tankman Gavriil Antonovich Polovchenya (date of birth 1907) deservedly received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, he commanded a special tank battalion, which became famous during the liberation of the occupied Belarusian land.

Once the tank of Captain Polovchenya broke away from his battalion and on January 11, 1942 alone broke into the village of Lugi, where the German regiment was resting. Using a cannon, machine gun and caterpillars, the tank crew destroyed 2 anti-tank guns, 6 mortars, 3 heavy machine guns, 97 carts with ammunition and other military equipment.

Khoruzhaya Vera Zakharovna was born on September 14, 1903 in the city of Bobruisk. This brave and courageous woman, awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, was a partisan and fought against enemies until the last minute of her life.

Behind her shoulders are years of Polish prison and torture in Germany. Despite this, her exploits are forever captured in historical chronicles. Even during her lifetime, Vera Zakharovna was the idol of Soviet youth, being a model of courage and intelligence.

Where to celebrate February 23 in Minsk

We have compiled a list of the best pubs and restaurants where you can sincerely celebrate Defenders of the Fatherland Day. A varied menu, a decent alcohol list and unobtrusive music - all this awaits you in the establishments from our selection.

1. Cafe "Pivnyary" ( st. Lobanka, 77|/vk.com/pivnary)
2. Bar «The Pub» ( st. Karl Marx, 6|vk.com/thepubminsk)
3. Restaurant "Vinograd" ( st. Lobanka, 77)
4. Restaurant Gambrinus ( sq. Freedom, 2 | gambrinus.by)
5. Bar "Bar 13" ( st. Red, 13 | vk.com/bar13minsk)
6. Restaurant Gvozd ( st. Timiryazev, 65 | pubgvozd.by)
7. Cafe "Skif" ( Independence Avenue, 34|cafeskif.by)

We are from February 23
We hasten to congratulate you not in vain!
And on the day of the defender of the country
We wish you not to know the war!
We also wish from the bottom of our hearts -
Beautiful, long, bright life!
And the ladies always like it
Even in old age!

Twenty third of February…
Let the whole earth be covered with snow
But we are ready to start:
On the main holiday of all men
We wish you well
A bunch of gold and silver
Much happiness and good luck
Only solvable problems
Do not lose face in the works -
Be a man to the end!


Another week until spring
The city is covered with snow
But you really
Dry, clear and warm:
All worries and troubles
Gone away, not angering you;
Be healthy, lucky, happy!
Happy twenty-third of February!

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday celebrated on February 23 in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Transnistria. It was established in the USSR in 1922 as the Day of the Red Army and Navy. From 1949 to 1993 it was called "Day of the Soviet Army and Navy". After the collapse of the USSR, the holiday is also continued to be celebrated in a number of CIS countries.

The tradition of celebrating February 23 goes back to 1918. After the victory of the armed uprising of the Bolsheviks in Petrograd in November 1917, the young Soviet government had to fight with external enemies - the First World War continued. The new government, in order to protect the Soviet state from Kaiser Germany, decided to organize regular armed forces. On January 28, 1918, the chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V. I. Lenin signed a decree "On the organization of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army", and on February 11 a decree "On the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Fleet". Workers who voluntarily expressed a desire to serve in the ranks of the armed defenders of the Fatherland were accepted into the army and navy.

On February 18, 1918, Austro-German and Turkish troops, treacherously violating the truce concluded on December 15, 1917, invaded Soviet Russia and proceeded to occupy Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states. On February 21, Minsk was captured. On this day, the Soviet government addressed the people with an appeal "The Socialist Fatherland is in danger!".

Thus, the date of February 23 is timed to coincide with the mass mobilization of volunteers for the Red Army. Subsequently, a version was spread about the first "victory" of the Red Army, allegedly won on February 23 over the Germans near Pskov and Narva, although most historians say that in 1918 there was not a single noticeable victory over the Germans, and on March 3 the Brest Peace was signed entirely on German terms.

In 1922, this date was officially declared the Day of the Red Army, and since 1923, the celebration of February 23 was legalized by the Order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and began to be celebrated nationwide.

After the Great Patriotic War, the holiday was renamed the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, most of the former Soviet republics retained the tradition of celebrating February 23rd, renaming it as Defenders of the Fatherland Day. In the Republic of Belarus on this day solemn meetings are held, honoring veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces, soldiers-internationalists and combatants, as well as festive events and concerts. Traditionally, the head of state takes part in the laying of a wreath at the monument on Victory Square in Minsk.

Today, most citizens consider February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day - as the day of real men. On this day, everyone who is related to military service is officially congratulated, and not officially - the entire male population of the country is honored and congratulated. This is a men's holiday, when men rightfully accept gifts, congratulations and gratitude!

There are several versions of the origin of the holiday and the rationale for the date of its holding.

According to one version, in connection with the resumption of hostilities by the German and Austro-Hungarian troops, the Council of People's Commissars on January 28, 1918 published a Decree on the creation of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army. The idea of ​​celebrating the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army arose in 1919 and was scheduled for February 23. But, as historical documents testify, they could not prepare for the celebration in time. The official celebration took place only in 1922. On this day, a military parade led by Trotsky took place on Red Square, which laid the foundation for the tradition of an annual national celebration.

According to another version, in order to justify the date of the holiday, Stalin in 1938 proposed to interpret the battle of Pskov and Narva on February 23, 1918 as the decisive resistance of the Red Army, despite the fact that the true course of historical events was completely different. February 23 was declared the birthday of the Red Army and named "The Day of the Red Army's Victory over the Kaiser's troops of Germany in 1918".

In fact, on February 23, 1918, the Red Army did not win, but lost its first battles to the Kaiser troops of Germany. In 1938, Stalin in his "Short Course on the History of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks" outlined a different version of the origin of the date of the holiday, absolutely unrelated to the decree of the Council of People's Commissars of January 15 (28), 1918.

In the "Short Course ..." it was stated that in 1918 near Narva and Pskov "the German invaders were given a decisive rebuff. Their advance on Petrograd was suspended. The day of rebuffing the troops of German imperialism - February 23 - became the birthday of the young Red Army.

As historical documents indicate, this was partly true. The fighting near Pskov began on February 23, 1918. Then the Red Army thwarted the Germans' attempt to capture Pskov on the move. Only by the evening of February 24, under the cover of large-caliber guns, did the Germans break through the defenses of our troops. A week before, on February 18, 1918, the Austro-German and Turkish troops, violating the truce that was concluded on December 2 (15), 1917, invaded Soviet Russia and proceeded to occupy Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states. On February 21, 1918, German troops captured Minsk. On February 23, the Germans sent a telegram (an ultimatum) to Lenin demanding that they accept their terms within 48 hours. The Bolsheviks did not wait so long and already on the morning of February 24, Lenin telegraphed to Berlin: "The Council of People's Commissars decided on the terms of peace proposed by the German government, to accept and send a delegation to Brest-Litovsk." On March 3, the "Brest Peace" was signed, according to which Belarus was given to the Germans. The Germans left Minsk only in December 1918, when Germany capitulated to the Western countries. Thus, on February 23, 1918, Belarus was under German occupation. Therefore, February 23 is rather a sacred symbol for Belarus, which is associated with the creation and operation of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army, which saved humanity from fascism. On this day, we pay tribute to all those who gave their lives for their Motherland and who, with their unparalleled heroism, defended the right of the Belarusian people to freedom and the opportunity to be a master in their native land.

In 1923, an order was issued according to which the holiday on February 23 began to have the name "Day of the Red Army and Navy." The holiday in the USSR was very revered and respected, although it was not a day off.

In 1946, this holiday was renamed - the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. In Soviet times, only military personnel and everyone who worked in a military organization had the right to a day off on February 23.

Currently, the holiday is celebrated as the "Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus". This day is considered to be a national holiday in our republic, a day of memory of courage and heroism of all generations of defenders of the Fatherland who defended the independence of their native land.

We congratulate you today:
Men, defenders, heroes and soldiers.
We never wish you war
Loss, bitterness, sadness and loss.
May many of you not fight
And some don't even know how to shoot
We love you even without medals.
It's not important for men to fight.
And let it be like a reward for you
For all ages and times:
Those women who are next to you,
And true, reliable friends!
Peaceful sky, personal happiness,
True friends and a brilliant career!

Defender of the Fatherland Day 2020 is celebrated in Belarus on February 23. This is a public holiday. It has not been assigned the status of a non-working holiday. The official name of the event is the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. On this day, it is customary to congratulate all those who defended and who are now protecting the country from the encroachments of the invaders, as well as all men.

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Traditions and rituals of the holiday

On February 23, solemn events are held in Belarus, where veterans of the Great Patriotic War and combatants are congratulated. Representatives of the Armed Forces are awarded awards, medals, letters of appreciation, they are promoted in positions and ranks.

The main event of the country, dedicated to the Defender of the Fatherland Day, takes place in Minsk. On Victory Square, the President lays flowers at the monument of the same name and delivers a solemn speech. Military parades and festive concerts with the participation of music and dance groups are held on the squares of Belarusian cities and villages. In the evening, the sky is lit up with fireworks.

February 23 is considered a secular celebration among the population of Belarus. On this day, it is customary to congratulate all representatives of the stronger sex, regardless of the presence of a military rank, occupation and age. In educational institutions and work groups, matinees and corporate parties are arranged. On this holiday, men are given gifts, cards, they wish to preserve masculine qualities and dignity.

history of the holiday

The holiday was first officially celebrated in 1922. Its date is dedicated to the creation of the Red Army on February 23, 1918. Initially, the holiday was called the "Day of the Red Army and Navy." In 1946 it became the "Day of the Soviet Army and Navy". It received its current name in 2005. At the state level, the holiday was established by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 157 of March 26, 1998.

Gifts for Defender of the Fatherland Day

February 23 is the holiday of all men. On this day, women pay special attention to them and present gifts. A gift should correspond to the interests and hobbies of a man, emphasize his individuality.

Games and competitions for Defender of the Fatherland Day

Games and competitions are an integral part of matinees in educational institutions and corporate parties in work teams dedicated to February 23. A program of festive events rich in competitions helps participants and guests to cheer up and evoke positive emotions. Games and competitions give men the opportunity to demonstrate their strength, courage, dexterity and show their best side.

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a favorite and long-awaited holiday for all representatives of the stronger sex. On this day, they are in the spotlight, accept congratulations and gifts.

The Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus is the most "courageous" holiday of the year. For some, this is a memorable and solemn date, for others it is just a good occasion to get together with friends. One way or another, but the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland is, first of all, a public holiday that has already passed for more than eighty years.

There are several versions of the origin of the holiday and the rationale for the date of its holding.

According to one version, in connection with the resumption of hostilities by the German and Austro-Hungarian troops, the Council of People's Commissars on January 28, 1918 published a Decree on the creation of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army. The idea of ​​celebrating the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army arose in 1919 and was scheduled for February 23. But, as historical documents testify, they could not prepare for the celebration in time. The official celebration took place only in 1922. On this day, a military parade led by Trotsky took place on Red Square, which laid the foundation for the tradition of an annual national celebration.

According to another version, in order to justify the date of the holiday, Stalin in 1938 proposed to interpret the battle of Pskov and Narva on February 23, 1918 as the decisive resistance of the Red Army, despite the fact that the true course of historical events was completely different. February 23 was declared the birthday of the Red Army and named "The Day of the Red Army's Victory over the Kaiser's troops of Germany in 1918".

In fact, on February 23, 1918, the Red Army did not win, but lost its first battles to the Kaiser troops of Germany. In 1938, Stalin in his "Short Course on the History of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks" outlined a different version of the origin of the date of the holiday, absolutely unrelated to the decree of the Council of People's Commissars of January 15 (28), 1918.

In the "Short Course ..." it was stated that in 1918 near Narva and Pskov "the German invaders were given a decisive rebuff. Their advance on Petrograd was suspended. The day of rebuffing the troops of German imperialism - February 23 - became the birthday of the young Red Army.

As historical documents indicate, this was partly true. The fighting near Pskov began on February 23, 1918. Then the Red Army thwarted the Germans' attempt to capture Pskov on the move. Only by the evening of February 24, under the cover of large-caliber guns, did the Germans break through the defenses of our troops. A week before, on February 18, 1918, the Austro-German and Turkish troops, violating the truce that was concluded on December 2 (15), 1917, invaded Soviet Russia and proceeded to occupy Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states. On February 21, 1918, German troops captured Minsk. On February 23, the Germans issued an ultimatum to Lenin demanding that they accept their terms within 48 hours. The Bolsheviks did not wait so long and already on the morning of February 24, Lenin telegraphed to Berlin: "The Council of People's Commissars decided on the terms of peace proposed by the German government, to accept and send a delegation to Brest-Litovsk." On March 3, the "Brest Peace" was signed, according to which Belarus was given to the Germans. The Germans left Minsk only in December 1918, when Germany capitulated to the Western countries. Thus, on February 23, 1918, Belarus was under German occupation. Therefore, February 23 is rather a sacred symbol for Belarus, which is associated with the creation and operation of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army, which saved humanity from fascism. On this day, we pay tribute to all those who gave their lives for their Motherland.

In 1923, an order was issued according to which the holiday on February 23 began to have the name "Day of the Red Army and Navy." The holiday in the USSR was very revered and respected, although it was not a day off.

In 1946, this holiday was renamed - the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. In Soviet times, only military personnel and everyone who worked in a military organization had the right to a day off on February 23.

Currently, the holiday is celebrated as the "Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus". This day is considered to be a national holiday in our republic, a day of memory of courage and heroism of all generations of defenders of the Fatherland who defended the independence of their native land.