Russia is marking the Defender of the Motherland Day today, February 23. It is a rare day when men receive congratulations from women, gratitude and presents.
On February 23, 1918, the revolutionary Red Guards achieved its first victory of regular forces of Kaiser's Germany. Soviet ideology called it the birthday of the Red Army.
The day was officially set in 1922, called the Day of the Red Army. February 23 was later called the Day of Soviet Army and Navy. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was renamed to the Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Most citizens of Russia and republics of the former USSR usually call it the Real men's Day.
Today is the 94th time the day is marked.
Russian prime Minister Vladimir Putin met commanders of divisions and brigades. He said that it is a special day for all families and promissed to mark it with the military. The prime minister noted that his father was born this day, which is why it was a very significant day for the family.
