Every year, February 23 is observed as the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland. The origins of this holiday can be traced back to 1918, marking the founding of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. The celebration was discontinued in 1920-1921, only to be revived in 1922 when the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee resolved to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the formation of the Red Army. Concurrently, the holiday was officially designated as the Day of the Red Army and Navy.

During the Great Patriotic War, this date became particularly significant for the military. On February 23, 1943, the Red Army achieved a decisive victory at Stalingrad, and one year later, on the same day, it celebrated its successes in the liberation of the Dnieper. On February 23, 1945, the Red Army advanced into European territory, having nearly defeated the enemy. Following the conclusion of the war in 1946, the holiday was renamed the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. Since then, it has been marked by military parades and salutes, with veterans of the army and navy being ceremoniously awarded orders and medals. Initially, this day in the USSR was dedicated exclusively to those who had served in the military, but it eventually became a day of celebration for all men – potential defenders of the Motherland and their families. As a result, the holiday gradually transformed into a universal "Men's Day" observed in all countries of the former Soviet Union.

In the Republic of Tajikistan, Armed Forces Day, also known as the Day of the Tajik National Army, is a national holiday observed annually on February 23. Although the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland has been celebrated for over a century, the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan was not addressed until the historic Sixteenth Session of the Supreme Soviet on November 16, 1992. As is well-known, the country experienced increasing tensions and unrest in 1991 during the presidential election, which ultimately led to the outbreak of a civil war. The foundational steps for the creation of the Tajik National Army were taken in 1993, culminating in the first military parade of the Tajik National Army on February 23, 1993. Since then, February 23 has been commemorated annually as the day of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan. This significant event marks the end of a devastating civil war, which claimed the lives of many citizens, from innocent children to renowned scientists. It was through the tireless efforts of our army, under the leadership of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, and President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, that the war was brought to a close. We must always honor those who sacrificed their lives for our future and express our gratitude to our forefathers for ensuring a peaceful and secure nation for us to live in today.

In this context, we can confidently assert that, above all, the security of our nation and state rests in the hands of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan. As the Leader of the Nation affirms: “We place complete trust in the Armed Forces of our country, confident that they will steadfastly continue to safeguard the independence and freedom of our beloved Tajikistan, ensure the security of the state, and protect the peaceful lives of our people as a reliable shield.”

As we approach February 23, we take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to all men on this significant day.

Komilova G. I.
Senior lecturer at the department of public health and medical statistics, with a course in the history of medicine