"For more than three decades, the servicemen of the Armed Forces, together with the personnel of other military structures and law enforcement officers, have been protecting the independence and freedom of the Tajik state, the borders of the Motherland inherited from our ancestors, security, stability in the country and the peaceful life of the people as a reliable shield. From the first days of the formation of the Armed Forces, the servicemen took on the sacred and glorious, but at the same time difficult and responsible historical task of restoring constitutional power, protecting the freedom and independence of the state, the territorial integrity of the country, ensuring peace and stability, protecting the security of the state and society."

Emomali Rahmon

Every year on February 23, the Republic of Tajikistan celebrates the Day of the Armed Forces - a holiday that has firmly entered the cultural code and has become a symbol of courage, valor and loyalty to duty. For most, it is associated with honoring military personnel, veterans and, more broadly, all men as the pillar of the family and the state. This is not a worldwide holiday, since the date of February 23 was originally related to the Red Army, it is celebrated exclusively in those states that used to be part of the Soviet Union. February 23 is also celebrated in Russia, South Ossetia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Abkhazia, Armenia and Ukraine. It unites generations, strengthens a sense of patriotism and serves as an annual reminder that peace and security are values that must be cherished and protected. And as long as there is respect for military labor and gratitude to those who have devoted their lives to serving the Fatherland, February 23 will remain one of the most important and favorite folk holidays. This is a holiday that unites us as a nation, reminding us that we are the heirs of a great history and are responsible for the future of our country.

The collapse of the USSR in 1991 required a rethinking of the entire system of public holidays, and February 23 was no exception. What was the Defender of the Fatherland Day called before?

·                     Day of the Red Gift (the first anniversary of the formation of the Red Army, 1919)

·                     Red Army Day (since 1922)

·                     Day of the Soviet Army (since 1946)

·                     Day of the Soviet Army and Navy (from 1949 to 1992)

·                     Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan (since 1993).

On February 23, 1993, the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon signed a decree on the formation of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan, which includes the Tajik National Army. Currently, it includes air and air defense forces, ground forces and mobile units under the control of the Ministry of Defense. The structure of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan also includes the National Guard of the President, border troops and internal troops under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The role of the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon in the creation and development of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan is very unique.

This holiday is not only an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to service, but also a way to remind of the importance of national security and protecting the sovereignty of the country; unites people around the idea of patriotism and national identity; reminds of the importance of protecting the values and interests of one's country and gratitude to those who stand guard over its security. This day, imbued with the spirit of respect and pride, continues to live and develop, reflecting the unique history and culture of Tajikistan. The celebration of February 23 helps to strengthen the spirit of patriotism among young people, foster respect for military service and form an idea of serving the Fatherland as a high and honorable mission.

Mankind has survived several thousand wars in its long history, and today there are also military conflicts in various parts of the world. Wars bring a lot of losses and damage, distracting a large mass of people from peaceful work and care. In these battles and conflicts, the Armed Forces have always been used as instruments of war, because the main means of waging war is the army. At all times, the army was used to protect the state and the Motherland.

In the process of the formation of a national state, various forms of education, especially the education of patriotism, are of great importance. In history, patriotism has been used as a social phenomenon to influence the political consciousness of citizens. Since the civilized world is in constant development, it is advisable to instill a sense of patriotism in the ideology of citizens for the implementation of state programs and strategies.

"We must be patriots and never forget that patriotism and high national feelings are the main factor and the most important means of developing the state and society. That is, each of us should continue to make the concepts of "patriotism" and "progress" our motto and slogan in our daily activities.

Emomali Rahmon

To increase the sense of patriotism and loyalty to the borders of the country, the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Patriotic Education of Citizens" was adopted on December 24, 2022. This law establishes the goals, methods and directions of patriotic education in the Republic of Tajikistan, its legal and organizational foundations and defines relations related to the organization of legal, social, economic, organizational foundations, ensuring and regulating activities in the field of patriotic education of citizens. Patriotism is a faith, and it is impossible to force someone to become a patriot, but it is possible to instill patriotic values in the minds of citizens and turn these values into their beliefs. This is a complex and constant process; it is necessary to continuously and constantly engage in the patriotic education of citizens. On this difficult and eternal path, the state and the nation succeed in mobilizing their best intellectual, scientific and cultural forces.

The creation of the Armed Forces, along with other achievements of the period of independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, is a methodical and important achievement of statehood and strengthening of independence. Among other factors, it was through the organization of military units and power institutions that it became possible to preserve the territorial integrity of the state, achieve peace and national unity.

"On this festive day, I am proud and pleased to declare that the servicemen of the Armed Forces in an extremely difficult and fateful period for the Tajik people and state courageously and honorably fulfilled their duty, which will remain forever in the annals of history. Therefore, I express my deep gratitude to the personnel of the Armed Forces, military personnel of other military structures and law enforcement officers of the country for their faithful service for the benefit of the state and people of Tajikistan. I declare with absolute confidence that the personnel of the country's Armed Forces, other military structures and law enforcement agencies, remaining faithful to their military oath, will continue to fulfill their sacred duty to ensure the security of the state and society, protect the borders and territorial integrity of our beloved Motherland, conscientiously protecting the peaceful life of the people of Tajikistan."     

                                                                              Emomali Rahmon

    Department of propaedeutics of children's diseases