Defender of the Fatherland Day

On February 23, Russia marks "Defender of the Fatherland Day". This holiday starts in the Soviet Union. At that time, people call it "Soviet Army and Navy Day". Every year, they celebrate it as a national holiday.

This day is a special work holiday for people in the military. But it is also a state holiday for all people. It honors all generations who defend the country.

In Russia, people also think of this day as an informal holiday for all men. It is a day when women give gifts to men and say thank you.

Vocabulary:

defender – защитник
fatherland – отечество, родина
to mark – отмечать (в календаре)
holiday – праздник
Soviet Union – Советский Союз
to call – называть
army – армия
navy – военно-морской флот
to celebrate – праздновать
work holiday – профессиональный праздник
military – военные, вооруженные силы
state holiday – государственный праздник
to honor – чтить, отдавать честь
generations – поколения
to defend – защищать
informal – неформальный, неофициальный
to give gifts – дарить подарки