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.