Ukrainian National Guard Day: History of the Holiday, Congratulations in Prose and Postcards.

Ukrainian National Guard Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 26. It holds special significance for the entire country as it honors the service, dedication, and patriotism of the military personnel who stand guard over the safety and order of our state. Glavkom tells about the history of the holiday, its significance, and offers options for congratulations in prose and postcards.

History of the Holiday

The National Guard of Ukraine was established in March 1991 after the proclamation of Ukraine's independence. The main goal of this formation was to ensure security and protect the citizens during the transitional period of statehood.

Later, in the 2000s, the National Guard was reformed and integrated into the internal troops. However, with the onset of Russian aggression in 2014, it became clear that the country needed a strong formation to respond to security challenges. On March 13, 2014, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the law 'On the National Guard of Ukraine', which revived it in a new format.

On March 26 of the same year, the National Guard Day was officially proclaimed for the first Time. This symbolic date emphasizes the importance and role of the guards in the fight for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.

Role of the National Guard of Ukraine

The National Guard plays a key role in defending the country against internal and external threats. Its main functions include:

• ensuring public order and safety;
• combating organized crime and terrorism;
• protecting state institutions and strategic facilities;
• participation in international peacekeeping missions;
• defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Today, the National Guard is an important component of Ukraine's security sector, demonstrating high professionalism and dedication to service.

10 Facts About the National Guard

1. The National Guard of Ukraine was created on March 13, 2014. The Verkhovna Rada adopted the relevant law. The first volunteer battalions joined the NG. 500 members of the Maidan Self-Defense went to the NG training center on March 14, 2014. Later, in 2017, this day was established by a resolution of the Verkhovna Rada as Ukrainian Volunteer Day. National Guard Day is designated as March 26.
2. The National Guardsmen have been carrying out assignments in all 'hottest' areas for 10 years alongside other formations of the Defense Forces. In 2014, NG warriors were among the first to stop the hybrid Russian aggression. They liberated the Kharkiv Oblast, engaged in defensive battles for Slovyansk, and liberated other settlements in the ATO area, including Popasna, Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, and defended Mariupol. In 2019-2020, guardsmen held defenses in the Svetlodarsk bulge area. After the start of the full-scale invasion, National Guard fighters defended and liberated Kyiv region, Chernihiv region, and Sumy region. They fought in the east, defending Rubizhne, Sievierodonetsk, Bakhmut. They participated in the successful counteroffensive in Kharkiv region and the de-occupation of Kherson region. As of February 26, 2024, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the NG units have eliminated more than 5,500 invaders. During this period, the guards also destroyed 945 enemy tanks, 410 BMP, 319 BTR, 863 combat armored vehicles, 1,300 cars, 1,320 artillery systems, 18 airplanes, 12 helicopters, and 174 unmanned aerial vehicles.
3. The servicemen of the National Guard, in particular the 'Azov' unit, formed a crucial core of the defense of Mariupol and 'Azovstal'. Guardsmen, together with other military and law enforcement formations of the garrison, heroically defended the city for 86 days under extremely difficult conditions, of which 82 days were under complete siege. They destroyed a large amount of Russian armored equipment and invaders, including the elite of the Russian armed forces, including GRU units. The commander of the 'Azov' unit, Denys Prokopenko, was among those who commanded the defense of the Mariupol garrison and helped save the lives of thousands of civilians. After returning from captivity and honored with the title of Hero of Ukraine, he resumed his command in the brigade.
4. The National Guard is tasked with a number of other important duties. Among them are the protection of public order, government authorities, important state facilities and critical infrastructure, diplomatic representations of foreign states, escorting defendants and prisoners of war.
5. The 'Assault Guard' in 2023 became a successful recruitment campaign of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Thousands of motivated volunteers joined the ranks of the combat brigades of the National Guard. 25 new military units were formed within the National Guard.