Over 300 military and civilian Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full cavaliers of the Order of Glory and cavaliers of the Order of St George have been invited to a reception at the St George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The traditional receptions marking Heroes of the Fatherland Day, which is celebrated on December 9, was resumed in 2013.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, comrade officers,
Let me welcome you to the Kremlin’s St George Hall, the hall of Russia’s military glory.
Today we honour Heroes of Russia, Heroes of the Soviet Union and holders of the Order of Glory and the Order of St George. These decorations were established in different times, but the recipients have always been people of iron will, exceptional valour, courage and honour. And Heroes of the Fatherland Day is another symbol of the unbreakable continuity of the traditions of bravery and patriotism.
We pay tribute to the heroic deeds of the defenders of ancient Rus, the heroes of 1812, the First World War and the Great Patriotic War as well as those who fought in hot spots. We are proud of those who protect Russia and provide security to our citizens today.
This is exactly how Russian military personnel have acted in Syria – bravely, meticulously and professionally. They have done their duty, destroying a large organised terrorist group together with the Syrian army, and now a path is opening up to resolve the Syrian conflict politically and to restore the country so that hundreds of thousands of people will be able to live peacefully again.
Comrades,
Sincere love for the homeland has always animated our people’s spirit. It has helped us overcome all obstacles and inspired heroic deeds and loyal service to Fatherland and the Russian people. Russia’s thousand-year history is based on such acts, on the moral choice of each man and woman.
I would like to thank all those here today, as well as those who are not here but share in this holiday and do their duty with valour and courage. Like our great ancestors, you show us with your own example that such values as chivalry, selflessness and loyalty to the Fatherland will always remain important and secure Russia’s strength and greatness.
I congratulate you once again on this holiday, Heroes of the Fatherland Day. I wish you good health, success and all the best to you and your families.
I would like to propose a toast. Here is to the Heroes of the Fatherland! Here is to our great Fatherland, to Russia!