The country celebrates Russian Guard Day.
On September 2, Russia celebrates Russian Guard Day.
On September 2, Russia celebrates Russian Guard Day—a holiday established by decree of President Vladimir Putin on December 22, 2000, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the creation of the first Guards regiments. In 2026, the holiday will be celebrated for the 26th time, recalling the glorious traditions of the country's elite military units.
The date of September 2 was not chosen by chance - it is connected with historical events of the Peter the Great era. It was in 1691 that Peter the Great formed the Preobrazhensky and Semyonovsky regiments, which became the foundation of the Russian Guard. These military units were created on the basis of Peter's famous toy troops and became the prototype for the elite units of the Russian army.
The Preobrazhensky Regiment was founded in the village of Preobrazhenskoye near Moscow, and the Semyonovsky Regiment in the village of Semyonovskoye. Guards regiments of the 18th century participated in all the wars of the Russian Empire, trained officers for the entire army, and played a key role in the life of the state. Peter the Great established a tradition of patronage and support for the regiments, which was subsequently followed by all Russian emperors.
In modern Russia, the Guards tradition is carried on by elite units of the Russian Armed Forces, bearing the honorary title of "Guards." These units and formations have inherited the glory and combat traditions of the historical Guards regiments, demonstrating the highest professionalism and military skill in the performance of combat missions.
The history of the Russian Guard is a chronicle of military valor, courage, and selfless service to the Fatherland. From the Battle of Poltava to the Patriotic War of 1812, from the battles of the First World War to the heroic deeds of the Great Patriotic War, Guardsmen have always been at the most critical positions, performing the most complex combat missions. The title of Guards unit or formation was awarded for mass heroism of personnel, exemplary performance of combat missions, and outstanding combat distinctions.
During the Great Patriotic War, hundreds of Red Army units and formations were awarded the Guards title. The first Guards divisions were four rifle divisions that distinguished themselves in the Battle of Smolensk in the autumn of 1941. By the end of the war, the Armed Forces comprised 11 Guards armies, dozens of Guards corps, and divisions across all branches of the armed forces. Guardsmen stormed Berlin, liberated European capitals, and raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag.
The modern guards units of the Russian Army proudly carry on the baton of glorious traditions. They are equipped with the latest weapons and military equipment and are staffed by highly qualified professional soldiers. Guardsmen undergo specialized training befitting the high rank of these elite units and are ready at any moment to carry out orders to defend Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russian Guard Day is traditionally celebrated with ceremonial events at military units and garrisons across the country. In St. Petersburg, Palace Square hosts marching song competitions and demonstrations, recalling the glorious traditions of Peter the Great's guardsmen. Guards units receive congratulations from their commanders and veterans.
Official congratulations to members of the Guards units are traditionally offered by the country's leadership and the Ministry of Defense. These messages emphasize the importance of serving in the Guards, their role in ensuring the country's defense capability, and protecting state interests. Special thanks are extended to veteran Guardsmen who laid the foundation for modern military traditions.
Russian Guard Day is a tribute to those who have chosen the difficult path of serving the Motherland, continuing the traditions established more than three centuries ago by Peter the Great. The holiday commemorates the continuity of generations of defenders of the Fatherland and the high status the Guard has held and continues to hold in the national security and defense system.
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