More than 350 people were invited to the event, among them Heroes of the Russian Federation, Heroes of the Soviet Union, holders of the Order of St George, full holders of the Order of Glory and heads of state bodies.
December 9 is the day when Russia used to honour those who were awarded the Order of St George, established on that day in 1769. In 2000 by a Presidential Executive Order, the decoration regained its status as supreme military award.