The message of congratulations reads, in part:
“The paratroops’ history is a chronicle of courage and endurance by the men and officers of our ‘airborne infantry’. The years of the Great Patriotic War in particular gave particularly vivid demonstration of these qualities. Today, as they take part in counterterrorist and peacekeeping operations, our ‘blue berets’ remain true to their duty and their oath, and are worthy followers of the traditions set by the paratroops’ founding fathers. The paratroopers’ skilled and well-organised action to defend Russia’s interests and save civilian lives deserves our society’s utmost respect.
It is important that our paratroops continue to develop today, learning promising new skills and mastering modern arms and technology. We are also doing much to make service in the paratroops more prestigious.”