Every year, Russian cities celebrate Airborne Forces Day in early August. Blue berets will once again gather in the capital's parks to celebrate their holiday If tomorrow they land: how Russia celebrates Airborne Forces Day. LIVE

In 2018, the Russian Airborne Forces turn 88 years old. In honor of this event, a number of festive events will be held in Moscow on August 2. In the capital, you will be able to see parades of paratroopers, demonstration performances of the Blue Berets, take part in hand-to-hand combat master classes, and visit thematic fairs and exhibitions. It won't be possible without holiday concerts.

What events are organized in Moscow on Airborne Forces Day on August 2, 2018

The main festive events in the capital of the Russian Federation, Moscow, will be held in the Sokolniki and Maxim Gorky parks; in the latter, a field kitchen will be open for guests.

The holiday in Sokolniki Park will begin at noon - the program includes an exhibition of military equipment and photo zones where you can take selfies in paratrooper uniforms. The holiday will begin with a parade of conscript and contract soldiers, members of the patriotic movement "Youth Army" and airborne veterans.

A big festive concert will take place in the park on Pushkinskaya Embankment. Sports competitions, a chess tournament among soldiers, and a concert will also be held on Festival Square.

Church of the Prophet Elijah on Ilyinka, st. Ilyinka, 3/8с2, metro station Revolyutsii (or metro station Kitay-Gorod)

Gorky Park, Krymsky Val street, 9, Oktyabrskaya metro station.
Sokolniki Park, Sokolnichesky Val street, building 1, building 1, Sokolniki metro station.
VDNKh, Prospekt Mira, 119, metro station "VDNKh".
Izmailovsky Park, Bolshoi Krug Alley, 7, Partizanskaya metro station (or Shosse Entuziastov metro station).
Poklonnaya Gora, st. Brothers Fonchenko, 7, metro station Victory Park

Traditions of celebrating Airborne Forces Day

Many people know about the tradition of the “winged landing” to put on their blue berets and vests on August 2 and meet with comrades in city parks. For example, in Moscow, the traditional gathering place for airborne troops is Gorky Park. Many people also know that on Airborne Forces Day it is customary to swim in fountains and eat watermelons. It’s clear where the tradition of eating watermelons came from: these berries simply ripen just in time for August.

The “watermelon habit” appeared among paratroopers in the late 1980s, after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. But where the love for swimming in fountains came from is unknown. There are many versions. According to the “blue berets” themselves, in this way they want to be closer to the sky, the reflection of which they see in the water of the fountains.

In addition, on August 2, Airborne Forces travel around their cities in cars with symbols and flags of the Airborne Forces. However, these are not all the traditions of the “Winged Landing” Day. Also on this day, it is customary to reward the best paratroopers: they are awarded medals and given valuable gifts.

Those who particularly distinguish themselves receive extraordinary titles and new positions. Moreover, the Blue Berets receive congratulations on their holiday not only from their family members, but also from the Minister of Defense and even the President. On Airborne Forces Day, the main heroes of the occasion usually stage demonstrations and demonstrate the weapons and equipment they have in service.

In addition, on August 2, festive concerts, master classes in hand-to-hand combat and parades are organized. Also on this day, Airborne Forces remember their fallen comrades: as a rule, not a single August 2 is complete without a ceremony of laying flowers at the memorials to paratroopers.

Interesting facts about the Airborne Forces, whose holiday is celebrated on August 2, 2018

Everyone knows that the abbreviation VDV means Airborne Troops, but paratroopers decipher it as Uncle Vasya’s Troops. This is what they call the famous commander of the Airborne Forces, Vasily Margelov, who headed this branch of the military from 1954 to 1959 and from 1961 to 1979.

It was thanks to “Uncle Vasya” that the airborne troops acquired their vest and blue berets (before that the berets were crimson), and the paratroopers began to parachute directly in combat vehicles, and not just on their own with parachutes.

Combat equipment, descending with paratroopers inside, could immediately go into battle - it did not have to stand and wait until the crews descended on their parachutes. They say that Margelov put his son in the first BMD that was to be thrown out of the plane and closed the hatch behind him with his own hands.

So, under “Uncle Vasya,” the Airborne Forces acquired their unique and irresistible mobility. Margelov, who led the airborne troops for more than 20 years, was able to create in them that special spirit, thanks to which service in the Airborne Forces began to be considered the most prestigious.

Airborne Forces Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 2, in Gorky Park and Sokolniki. This year the Russian Airborne Forces turns 87 years old. A giant white parachute will be hung over the main entrance to the Gorky Park. A field kitchen will be set up for all visitors in the park. Sokolniki will host an exhibition of military equipment, and photo zones will be organized in the park where you can take selfies in paratrooper uniforms.

Gorky Park

The celebration will take place in Gorky Park from 12:00 to 17:00. At the entrance, between the columns, there will be a white parachute measuring five by five meters and banners with the symbols of the Airborne Forces and the slogans “87”, “Nobody but us” and others.

A field kitchen will be set up in the park, where everyone can try buckwheat porridge with stew and tea for free.

And on Pushkinskaya Embankment there will be a concert with the participation of Olga Kukhta, military singer Vladimir Maya, the Fast and the Furious group and the Cascade ensemble, created during the military operations in Afghanistan.

Sokolniki

In Sokolniki, the holiday will begin with a parade of conscript and contract soldiers, members of the Yunarmiya patriotic movement and Airborne Forces veterans. Gathering of participants - at 11:30 at the main entrance, at 12:00 there will be a procession accompanied by a brass band along the main alley, a large circle through the 4th Luchevoy clearing. It will end at Festival Square.

Events for Airborne Forces Day will last in Sokolniki until 16:30. Ten military vehicles will be brought to the park - armored personnel carriers, airborne combat vehicles (ACVs) and light military equipment. They will mainly be located on Festival Square, some of the equipment will be placed next to the main entrance. The stage in the square will be decorated with a camouflage net, and anti-tank hedgehogs will be installed nearby. Not far from the stage, four photo zones will be organized with samples of modern weapons (without ammunition), camouflage clothing for snipers and airborne military uniforms - everyday, field, ceremonial. Everyone will be able to have their photo taken as a paratrooper.

Banners with the motto “Glory to the Airborne Forces!” will be hung along the main alley, and an exhibition about service in the army and airborne troops will be organized nearby.

Everyone will be able to take part in competitions in football, volleyball and hand-to-hand combat, as well as try to assemble a parachute and disassemble a weapon. In addition, a chess tournament will be held among the soldiers in Sokolniki. In total, about 300 military personnel will come to the park. Guests will be able to take part in arm wrestling and Russian bench press tournaments, but to do this they will have to go through the qualifying stage.

The holiday will end with a concert on Festival Square, where the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Airborne Forces will perform.

The airborne troops were formed on August 2, 1930, when a unit of 12 people parachuted for the first time during an exercise near Voronezh.

Airborne Forces Day is a memorable date that is designed to promote the revival and development of domestic military traditions - the holiday was established by decree of the President of Russia on May 31, 2006.

Paratroopers invariably remain a symbol of courage, reliability and strength, who live by the principle: “No one but us!” - they are also called “winged infantry”, “blue berets” and so on.

How the Airborne Forces were born

The first parachute landing in the USSR, in which only 12 Red Army soldiers took part, took place on August 2, 1930 near Voronezh during exercises of the Air Force of the Moscow Military District. That is why this date is considered the birthday of the Airborne Forces.

Having recognized the experiment as successful, in 1933 special-purpose aviation battalions were formed in the Belarusian, Ukrainian, Moscow and Volga military districts, from which modern airborne troops subsequently grew.

Five airborne corps of up to ten thousand people each in the USSR were already fully formed by the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, who from the first days of the war fought defensive battles in Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states, in cooperation with other ground forces.

The 9th Guards Airborne Division defended the famous Prokhorovka near Kursk for more than a day - the “winged infantry” destroyed about 500 Nazi soldiers in this battle.

The paratroopers fought on the Karelian Front, Moldova, Hungary, and liberated the capital of Austria, Vienna.

Japan's actions in the Far East were completely paralyzed precisely thanks to the airborne forces that landed in Harbin, Port Arthur, Pyongyang, Mukden, and South Sakhalin.

The feat of the paratroopers, who fought with unparalleled courage and heroism, was reflected in Soviet military poetry, prose, and cinema.

Bulat Okudzhava’s famous song “We need one victory” (“Our Tenth Airborne Battalion”) from Andrei Smirnov’s film “Belorussky Station” is dedicated to the heroic paratroopers.

The paratroopers continued to perform feats in the post-war period. In January 1988, the famous 9th company was able to repel more than 12 Mujahideen attacks and hold the height of 3234, despite the tenfold numerical superiority of the enemy, until the arrival of a reconnaissance platoon. By that time, only five people remained in the ranks of the 9th company.

Since 2005, airborne units have been divided according to their specialization into airborne, air assault and mountain. The former includes the 98th Guards Airborne Division and the 106th Guards Airborne Division of two regiments, the latter - the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of two regiments and the 31st Guards Separate Airborne Brigade of three battalions, to The third is the 7th Guards Air Assault Division (Mountain).

How to decipher the Airborne Forces

So, under “Uncle Vasya” the Airborne Forces acquired their unique and irresistible mobility. Margelov, who led the airborne troops for more than 20 years, was able to create in them that special spirit, thanks to which service in the Airborne Forces began to be considered the most prestigious.

How to celebrate

Airborne Forces Day is celebrated by soldiers of the Airborne Forces of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other CIS countries. Former and current (however, paratroopers are never former) paratroopers will gather in all cities of Russia, remembering the years of their service.

On this day, according to tradition, commemorative and festive events are held everywhere, demonstrations by paratroopers and paratroopers, and demonstrations of military equipment that are in service with the Airborne Forces are organized.

In addition, on this day, Airborne Forces veterans are honored, charity events, festive concerts and folk festivals are held. An obligatory part of the holiday is the laying of wreaths and flowers at the monument and burial places of paratroopers and funeral services.

The main festive events in the capital of the Russian Federation, Moscow, will be held in the Sokolniki and Maxim Gorky parks; in the latter, a field kitchen will be open for guests.

The celebration in Sokolniki Park will begin at noon - the program includes an exhibition of military equipment and photo zones where you can take selfies in paratrooper uniforms. The holiday will begin with a parade of conscript and contract soldiers, members of the patriotic movement "Youth Army" and Airborne Forces veterans.

A big festive concert will take place in the park on Pushkinskaya Embankment. Sports competitions, a chess tournament among soldiers, and a concert will also be held on Festival Square.

In St. Petersburg, Airborne Forces Day is celebrated for several days in a row - an extensive program of events has been prepared for guests and residents of the Northern capital.

On Airborne Forces Day, paratroopers will gather on Palace Square, where at 12:00 local time a shot will be fired from the Peter and Paul Fortress, marking the beginning of the festive events.

The sports and concert festive program will take place in the park of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. The highlight of the program will be demonstration parachute jumps from an MI-8 helicopter.

On the territory of the park there will be a historical exhibition of military uniforms of paratroopers, parachute weapons and equipment. Guests of the holiday will also see a demonstration hand-to-hand combat of cadets of the Military Institute, the presentation memorable gifts Airborne Forces veterans, parachutist athletes, and leaders of Airborne Forces public organizations.

A field kitchen will be available to guests in the park.

The patron saint of the airborne troops is the prophet Elijah, whose memorial day the church also celebrates on August 2.

Congratulations

There are no former paratroopers, they remain them for life, so on Airborne Forces Day a huge army of paratroopers takes to the streets of Russian cities and celebrates their professional holiday on a grand scale and with all their hearts, like no other.

On Airborne Forces Day, a huge army of paratroopers takes to the streets of Russian cities, and on a grand scale, from the heart, celebrates their professional holiday like no other. They will selflessly and heroically defend their homeland - the “blue berets” are always where it is most dangerous, in the thick of it.

Everyone feels the paratrooper heroes - the Internet is full of original and cool congratulations Airborne troops. For example:

May the sky be clear above you,

And fierce bullets don't whistle over our heads,

Today we congratulate the paratrooper on Airborne Forces Day,

And we wish you a refreshing dip in the city fountain.

Under a parachute, let the earth fly to meet you,

May your guardian angel protect you during your service,

You are always ready for any combat task,

You risk your life, your youth, your head.

Ah, blue beret!

Anyone will be jealous.

On the side there is a landing knife -

Is the guy impressive?

Only the one who has no fear

Wears a blue beret.

Will jump with a parachute -

There's no time for jokes here.

Behind is the sky.

Underfoot - the depths.

There is a hand on the trigger.

The enemy is doing badly!

Your element is air, and the parachute is your friend,

The paratroopers, guys, are envied all around!

When he walks in a vest, dressed to the nines,

The Margelovsky beret flaunts on his head,

The girls just freeze and don’t look away,

We have such wonderful paratroopers!

We congratulate the guys on Airborne Forces Day now,

And we wish you well from the bottom of our hearts, without unnecessary phrases!

And also like this:

Working for a paratrooper

Defend the Fatherland!

And these are not candy wrappers for you,

And just say it!

Whether in the sky or on land,

They are good for anything!

Landing - the best soldiers

The country's army!

Defenders of the Fatherland

Landing troops!

Known to mankind -

You couldn't find a more reliable one!

Soldiers and romantics

May you be lucky in everything!

Happy holiday to you, paratroopers!

Thank you for everything!

The material was prepared based on open sources

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Events dedicated to the celebration of Russian Airborne Forces Day will again be held in Moscow on August 2 with concerts and traditional swimming in fountains. In 2018, the Russian Airborne Forces turn 88 years old.

On August 2, a number of festive events will take place in Moscow. In the capital, you will be able to see parades of paratroopers, demonstration performances of the Blue Berets, take part in hand-to-hand combat master classes, and visit thematic fairs and exhibitions. It won't be possible without holiday concerts.

Airborne Forces Day in Moscow program 2018: how the heroes of the occasion will walk

Airborne Forces Day is a memorable date that is designed to promote the revival and development of domestic military traditions - the holiday was established by decree of the Russian President of May 31, 2006.

Paratroopers invariably remain a symbol of courage, reliability and strength, who live by the principle: “No one but us!” - they are also called “winged infantry”, “blue berets” and so on.

The festive program of Airborne Forces Day 2018 will begin with a religious procession in honor of the heavenly patron of the “winged infantry” Elijah the Prophet: its participants will proceed from the Church of the Prophet Elijah on Ilyinka to Lobnoye Mesto on Red Square, where a thanksgiving prayer service will be served.

Then officials will congratulate the heroes of the occasion, after which demonstration performances will take place on the main square of the country, as well as a solemn march of the honor guard company of the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School (RVVDKU). And the culmination of the holiday will be a concert on Vasilyevsky Spusk.

As usual, the main gathering place for the “blue berets” in the capital will be Gorky Park. The tradition of celebrating the Day of the “Winged Infantry” here appeared in the early 90s of the last century: then, every August 2nd, training landings from helicopters were carried out in the park. However, in 1997, flights over the city were banned, but PKiO remained the main meeting place for paratroopers.

The main events in Gorky Park, as before, will take place on Pushkinskaya Embankment. In particular, military musical groups will again perform there, performing iconic songs for the Blue Berets. Celebrations will also take place in Sokolniki Park. Festive events in honor of Airborne Forces Day 2018 are planned at VDNKh, Izmailovsky Park, and Poklonnaya Hill.

Airborne Forces Day in Moscow program 2018: how this type of troops developed

Five airborne corps of up to ten thousand people each in the USSR were already fully formed by the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, which from the first days of the war fought defensive battles in Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states, in cooperation with other ground forces.

The 9th Guards Airborne Division defended the famous Prokhorovka near Kursk for more than a day - the “winged infantry” destroyed about 500 Nazi soldiers in this battle.

The paratroopers fought on the Karelian Front, Moldova, Hungary, and liberated the capital of Austria - Vienna.

Japan's actions in the Far East were completely paralyzed precisely thanks to the airborne forces that landed in Harbin, Port Arthur, Pyongyang, Mukden, and South Sakhalin.

The feat of the paratroopers, who fought with unparalleled courage and heroism, was reflected in Soviet military poetry, prose, and cinema.

Bulat Okudzhava’s famous song “We need one victory” (“Our Tenth Airborne Battalion”) from Andrei Smirnov’s film “Belorussky Station” is dedicated to the heroic paratroopers.

The paratroopers continued to perform feats in the post-war period. In January 1988, the famous 9th company was able to repel more than 12 Mujahideen attacks and hold the height of 3234, despite the enemy's tenfold numerical superiority, until the arrival of a reconnaissance platoon. By that time, only five people remained in the ranks of the 9th company.

Since 2005, airborne units have been divided according to their specialization into airborne, air assault and mountain. The former includes the 98th Guards Airborne Division and the 106th Guards Airborne Division of two regiments, the latter - the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of two regiments and the 31st Guards Separate Airborne Brigade of three battalions, and The third is the 7th Guards Air Assault Division (Mountain).

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On August 2, the “blue berets” will gather again to celebrate their holiday - Airborne Forces Day 2018.

Airborne Forces Day 2018 in Moscow: program of events August 2

What awaits those who come to celebrate in the main park of the capital?

The park will have two field kitchens, where visitors will be offered buckwheat porridge with stewed meat and tea. And at 13.00 the concert program will begin. The following groups will perform before the public: the “Musical Landing” group, the MOSCOW BAND ensemble, the famous concert Ensemble of the Russian Airborne Forces “Blue Berets”. Let us remind you that now the Berets have five people: Sergei Yarovoy, Briy Slatov, Denis Platonov, Dmitry Vakhrushin, Egor Serdechny. The group sings only songs of its own composition. In Gorky Park, the Blue Berets will sing the following compositions: “Minefield”, “Everything will be fine!”, “Let’s sit and be silent, guys”, “Glory to us!”, “Glory to the Airborne Forces” and, of course, the main hit - “Sineva” "

WHERE: Gorky Park, metro station "Park Kultury", Krymsky Val, 9.

Free admission.

What events are organized in Moscow on Airborne Forces Day on August 2, 2018

The main festive events in the capital of the Russian Federation, Moscow, will be held in the Sokolniki and Maxim Gorky parks; in the latter, a field kitchen will be open for guests.

A big festive concert will take place in the park on Pushkinskaya Embankment. Sports competitions, a chess tournament among soldiers, and a concert will also be held on Festival Square.

Church of the Prophet Elijah on Ilyinka, st. Ilyinka, 3/8с2, metro station Revolyutsii (or metro station Kitay-Gorod)

Gorky Park, Krymsky Val street, 9, Oktyabrskaya metro station.
Sokolniki Park, Sokolnichesky Val street, building 1, building 1, Sokolniki metro station.
VDNKh, Prospekt Mira, 119, metro station "VDNKh".
Izmailovsky Park, Bolshoi Krug Alley, 7, Partizanskaya metro station (or Shosse Entuziastov metro station).
Poklonnaya Gora, st. Brothers Fonchenko, 7, metro station Victory Park

Traditions of celebrating Airborne Forces Day

Interesting facts about the Airborne Forces, whose holiday is celebrated on August 2, 2018

Everyone knows that the abbreviation VDV means Airborne Troops, but paratroopers decipher it as Uncle Vasya’s Troops, reports Ros-Register. This is what they call the famous commander of the Airborne Forces, Vasily Margelov, who headed this branch of the military from 1954 to 1959 and from 1961 to 1979.