Armed Forces Day of Ukraine: history and traditions of the holiday.

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Ukraine will celebrate Armed Forces Day. This holiday has special significance as Ukrainian soldiers defend our land from Russian occupiers every day.

Armed Forces Day of Ukraine was established after the adoption of the Law 'On the Armed Forces of Ukraine' in 1991. December 6, 1991, was designated as a symbolic date for this holiday.

History of the holiday

Armed Forces Day of Ukraine coincides with the beginning of the First Winter Campaign of the Army of the Ukrainian People's Republic.

The First Winter Campaign was the campaign of the UPR army against the enemy behind the lines of the Red and Volunteer armies from December 6, 1919, to May 6, 1920.

The main goal of the Winter Campaign was to maintain the presence of the Ukrainian army on Ukrainian territory through partisan actions. Parliament established a separate award - 'Iron Cross for the Winter Campaign and Battles', which was awarded to the Army of the UPR.

On December 6, 1991, when Ukraine became independent, laws 'On the Defense of Ukraine' and 'On the Armed Forces of Ukraine' were adopted, preserving the combat traditions of the UPR Army. On that day, the text of the Military Oath was approved.

Traditions of Armed Forces Day of Ukraine

On Armed Forces Day of Ukraine, solemn events are held in all military units and garrisons. The main event of the celebration is the solemn raising of the state flag and awarding military personnel for achievements and dedication to service.

On the Central Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military personnel who have made significant contributions to the development of the Armed Forces, achieved high results in service, or demonstrated heroism and courage in battle are awarded.

Modern Ukrainian soldiers continue the traditions of the Cossacks, the UPR Army, the Free Cossacks, the Galician Army, and the UPA.

Modern Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to the Constitution, the Armed Forces are responsible for the defense of the country, its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and inviolability. The Armed Forces of Ukraine have three main branches: the Ground Forces, the Air Forces, and the Navy.

The youngest branch of the Armed Forces is the Territorial Defense Forces, which were created in accordance with the law 'On the Fundamentals of National Resistance' as of January 1, 2022. These forces aimed to ensure the defense of the country. They played an important role during the military conflict with Russia, involving more than 100 thousand volunteers.

In addition to the Territorial Defense Forces, there are other branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that also participated in hostilities in eastern Ukraine.

Each branch of the Armed Forces has its own professional holiday, but Armed Forces Day of Ukraine unites all military personnel of the country.

Since 2009, the Bohdan Khmelnytsky Award has also been presented for the best coverage of military themes in works of literature and art.

Before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, this day was celebrated with a solemn ceremony of laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, concerts, and exhibitions of military equipment in various cities.