The National Centre RUSSIA extends congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day

Defending the country, one's family and loved ones, and the readiness to take responsibility for the future — these are the values associated in Russia with Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated annually on 23 February. Today, this holiday unites veterans and active military personnel, volunteers, specialists in the defence industry, and all those for whom the word "Fatherland" holds special significance.

The history of Defender of the Fatherland Day dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The first time 23 February became a festive date was in 1919. It was the year celebrated as the anniversary of the founding of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, and the day itself was called Red Gift Day. In 1922, 23 February was officially established as the day of the Red Army's founding. Over time, the name and focus of the holiday changed: it has been both Red Army and Navy Day, and Soviet Army and Navy Day.

In 1995, a federal law was adopted according to which 23 February was named "Day of the Red Army's Victory over the Kaiser's Troops of Germany — Defender of the Fatherland Day". In 2006, the holiday acquired its modern name — Defender of the Fatherland Day, and even earlier, since 2002, this date has been an official day off.

Traditions of 23 February are linked to the memory of heroic deeds and respect for those who have worn and continue to wear military uniform. On this day, flowers are laid at memorials and the Eternal Flame, and rallies, concerts, and thematic programmes are held in museums and educational institutions. In military units, ceremonial formations are organised, and distinguished servicemen are honoured. In many families, 23 February has become a day when not only military personnel but also all men are congratulated — as symbolic defenders of the family and the homeland.

Symbols of the holiday include military uniform, orders and medals, battle flags, the St. George Ribbon, the red star, and the Eternal Flame. Behind each of these images lies a story of the price of sovereignty, of the continuity of generations, and of how the tradition of serving the country has been formed over decades.

For the National Centre RUSSIA, Defender of the Fatherland Day is not just a date on the calendar but also an opportunity to talk about modern heroes through documentary films, educational programmes, and grassroots initiatives. On the eve of the holiday, several special projects are taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA.

On 21 February 2026, the third stage of the #LetterToAHero campaign was launched. It aims to express the nation's gratitude to military personnel — participants in the special military operation — and to strengthen the spiritual connection between society and the defenders of the Motherland. Visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA write letters, folded into triangles, with warm words of support and wishes, and volunteers help to prepare the messages and place them in a special capsule for subsequent delivery to the front line. During the campaign, guests and staff of the National Centre RUSSIA have already written more than 4,500 such letters.

On these same days, the National Centre RUSSIA is hosting the 4th International Documentary Film Festival "RT.Doc: Time of Our Heroes". In 2026, it features an expanded international programme: the audience will see 38 films by Russian and foreign directors — RT war correspondents, authors from major federal television channels, and independent documentary filmmakers. Over 3,000 applications from more than 100 countries were submitted for participation in the festival, with the final screening including works by directors from 13 countries.

Today, Defender of the Fatherland Day is perceived as a symbol of courage, loyalty, and responsibility towards future generations. The National Centre RUSSIA congratulates veterans, active military personnel and their families, volunteers, and all those who contribute to the security and development of the country. Respect for the feat of arms, memory of the defenders, and a conscious attitude towards the fate of Russia are what make this holiday truly shared.