Airborne Forces Day in Russia

(bcm.ru) - Every year on August 2, the country celebrates the Birthday of Russia's Airborne Troops.

The Airborne Forces' Birthday is believed to be August 2, 1930. On this day, at the Moscow military district maneuvers held near Voronezh, a paratroop unit of 12 people made the first parachute assault with a tactical mission. In the former Soviet Union, these troops were eventually involved in all armed conflicts.

The Day of Airborne Forces which is a professional holiday for all active and reserve military airborne troops is celebrated throughout the country. During the feast, lots of paratroopers' shows, concerts, charity events, folk festivals, craft fairs and sales of souvenirs and patriotic products are traditionally arranged in many cities. In Moscow, the traditional sites of annual meetings of the "blue berets" are Gorky Park (Central Park of Culture and Recreation), VVC (All-Russia Exhibition Center) and Poklonnaya Hill. This day is also the day of the prophet Elijah, who is considered the patron saint of paratroopers, so liturgies and sacred processions are traditionally held in his honor.

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