Memorial dates of Russia: Dec. 9 - Heroes of the Fatherland Day in Russia

On Dec. 9 2010 Russia celebrates the Heroes of the Fatherland Day. On this day honors are bestowed to Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full cavaliers of the Order of Glory and cavaliers of the Order of St. George.

The memorial date was declared by the Federal Law of February 28 2007 “Concerning Amendments to Article 1.1 of the Federal Law "On Days of Military Glory and Memorial Dates in Russia". Declaration of a memorial date was timed to a significant event dating back to the time of the Empress Catherine II, when in 1769 was established the Military Order of the Holy Great Martyr and the Triumphant George. Up to 1917 on this day Russia used to celebrate the holiday of cavaliers of the Order of St. George. After the October Revolution the order was abolished.

The status of the military award was returned to the order under the decree of the President of the Russian Federation of August 8 2000 "On establishment of statute of the Order of St. George, status of service decoration – Cross of St. George". Since then the Order of St. George has been awarded to 8 servicemen (6 of them continue military service), military distinction – Cross of St. George 4th class - 415 junior officers, warrant officers, sergeants and soldiers of the Russian Army.

With establishment of the title of the Soviet Union Hero in 1934, it was awarded to 12 772 men, three of them are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The Order of Glory 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes was founded in 1943 for honoring private soldiers and sergeants, who distinguished themselves in the frontlines of the Great Patriotic War. The order had been awarded until summer of 1945. Within this period 2 562 men became its full cavaliers.

The title of the Hero of the Russian Federation from 1992 was given to 571 men. 82 of them are still in the service in the Armed Forces of Russia.