Heroes of the Fatherland Day
December 9 · Level 8 · #648 of 2238
Heroes of the Fatherland Day is a Russian remembrance date honouring Heroes of the Soviet Union and of Russia, full holders of the Order of Glory and bearers of the Order of St George. It is a day to recall people whose deeds became part of the country's history.
How it is celebrated: top state awards, including the Gold Star medal, are presented at official ceremonies, flowers are laid at monuments, and schools and museums host lessons about courage and meetings with veterans.
The date has deep roots: 9 December in the modern calendar matches 26 November in the old one, the feast day of the Order of St George, which Catherine the Great founded in 1769 and which was celebrated in imperial Russia.