100 Year Anniversary of Most Formidable Army in History Celebrated on Defender of the Fatherland Day
Russia celebrated the Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23. It's one of our major and favourite holidays. On this occasion, state honors were awarded in the Kremlin this Friday.
Denis Davydov with the details.
February 23 is a rare day when they get to wear whites. All officers are dressed sharp. Decorations are glistening on their jackets. Many of them were awarded for combat.
President Putin: "In Syria, our military demonstrated their willingness to accomplish the most difficult tasks. They were acting bravely, resolutely, and fearlessly. Today, I'd like to thank once again those of you who took part in that Herculean operation. You proved your military expertise in combat condition. You showed your heroism, tenacity, and courage. Guards Major Roman Filipov also was a brave warrior and a true soldier".
At 33, he was an ace, an A-class pilot. Almost 100 combat missions. The last flight of his assault aircraft was over the de-escalation zone in Idlib. Being shot down by a rocket, Filipov catapulted and was injured but fought till the last. The officer blew himself up with a grenade to avoid capture.
"I used to ask myself how I would have acted in his situation. I would do the same".
The usually laconic soldiers talked openly to Andrey Malakhov. Our host visited the Khmeimim Air Base where Filipov was stationed. The officers remember all soldiers who heroically died in Syria. They say the Major was a great friend and a good family man. He used to call home all the time. His last call was a day before his death.
"On February 2, he called home at 14:10".
The President declared Roman Filipov the Hero of Russia. During the solemn meeting in the Kremlin on February 23 the Commander-in-Chief personally handed the Golden Star to Roman's widow and parents.
President Putin: "He fought an unequal battle against terrorists. He didn't give up or retreat. We have every right to compare him to the heroes who were protecting Brest Moscow, or Stalingrad. Regardless of the historical context regardless of the times we live in a person has only a single earthly life. If a person's ready to fight till the last sacrificing themselves for the sake of their people then they are the embodiment of courage, heroism and devotion to their Motherland. Roman's family is here today. We share their sorrow and mourn together. We bow down before you. Thank you for raising a brave and worthy son, a Russian soldier a true son of his Fatherland".
Nikolay Filipov, father: "Roman wanted to be a military pilot since he was a kid. He knew what officer honor and dignity are. When the time came he fulfilled his military duty. I'm proud of my son I'm proud of our army and I'm proud of all great Russian warriors".
Orders of Suvorov and Ushakov. For the first time in decades, not officers or soldiers but units and ships receive these decorations. A WWII tradition — to decorate the frontline materiel.
"In recognition of reinforcing the national defence capability courage and heroism of the crews during their engagement the Ushakov Order is awarded to the heavy aircraft cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov".
Vladimir Putin pins the Order to the colors of the aircraft cruiser. It's been brought to Moscow from Murmansk specifically for the ceremony. Our largest military ship is docked there. It has the capacity to carry 28 aircraft. Last year, the aircraft took off from its deck on their first combat mission to attack the terrorist positions in Syria. It received the decoration for this very operation. Now, the new name of the ship is: heavy aircraft cruiser Fleet Admiral Ushakov bearer of the Ushakov Order.
Sergey Artamonov, ship commander: "Now, we're expected to continue our military exploits".
The commander of the Varyag cruiser decorated with the Nakhimov Order is also wearing whites. He also traveled to Syria. During their interviews their crews were taking photos under the ship colors with the Orders. The ground forces also had their moment. The Commander-in-Chief awarded the Suvorov Order to the South Military District.
President Putin: "The self-sufficient, strong, and advanced Army and Fleet give a land an opportunity to develop peacefully and build stable international relations. And it seems that it's always been this way. It seems ordinary. But the moment our Armed Forces become slack we start getting we've never thought of. We start getting threats we couldn't even imagine".
In the near future, the Army will get its own innovative technopolis in Anapa. The new research facility will let master-engineers create military AI systems and other ground-breaking defense technologies.
President Putin: "When do you think the whole complex will be finished?"
Sergey Shoygu: "The whole complex will be operational in early 2020 — late 2019."
Some of these students might later work in the technopolis. There are more than 200,000 Young Army cadets in Russia. The best ones came to the Patriot park to take part in the I'm Young Army forum.
"It's educative and fun. I feel like I'm a real pilot".
In Russia, the Defender of the Fatherland Day is considered to be men's day because, military or not, every Russian has always been ready to defend his homeland. Vladimir Putin recalled that at the evening function.
President Putin: "It wasn't just arms and training that let our soldiers and seamen win but also their strong will and great love for their Motherland. Patriotism is in our blood. When our Motherland is in danger it turns us into heroes. Today, I express my sincere gratitude to our veterans. Our current Armed Forces follow your traditions".
Russia's best singers were performing for the Defenders. From the stage of the Grand Kremlin Palace, they greeted the officers as well as those who accompanied them during their deployment. The VGTRK military correspondents Alexander Sladkov and Evgeny Poddubny Together with Joseph Kobzon, they performed the military correspondent song.
From Moscow to Brest
there's no such place
where we haven't wandered in dust.
With a camera, a notepad
and sometimes with a machine gun
we've walked through fire and frost.
February 23, 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the Red Army. The Army that saved mankind from the Nazis. That war took millions of soldier lives. On the Defender of the Fatherland Day a traditional flower tribute is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Prime Minister and the chairs of both chambers of the Parliament also took part in the ceremony. Later, an honor guard company marched under the Kremlin walls firmly holding the colors of the glorious Russian army.
Denis Davydov, Sergey Rubanov, and Ilgiz Hakimov Vesti: News of the Week.