SIMBIRSK PERIODICAL PRESS ABOUT THE CELEBRATION OF THE RED ARMY DAY: REVISITING THE EARLY HISTORY OF DEFENDER OF THE HOMELAND DAY

Abstract

In modern Russia, a state holiday is celebrated annually on February 23 – Defender of the Homeland Day, which has a direct connection with both the history of the Russian state’s army and the country’s active military personnel. The relevance of the author’s current appeal to this topic is primarily due to the special military operation conducted in the Ukraine. The military history of the state, without any doubt, is of interest to those who are concerned about both the current military-political situation in the world and around our country these days. How was this holiday celebrated in the past? What were the festive events in the Russian regions? The purpose of this article is to continue studying the early history of the modern Defender of the Homeland Day on the materials of Simbirsk governorate. Materials and methods. The author uses problem-analytical and chronological research methods, the source base of the work is Simbirsk newspapers dated 1923, as well as memories of the events participants. Study results. The author points out that the Red Army Day in 1923 for the first time became a truly national holiday. Solemn meetings, concerts and other festive events organized by state bodies and public organizations took place throughout the country. The most organized and mass celebration took place in the major cities of the country, which undoubtedly included the capitals of the Union republics. The event under study was widely celebrated in the regional centers of the country. The provincial Middle Volga Simbirsk did not stay away from the national line either. So, a report on the Red Army was planned even in Simbirsk correctional house for prisoners. Conclusions. In 1923, a mandatory attribute of the Red Army Birthday holiday in Russia was holding solemn meetings and meetings of governing bodies and workers at enterprises. At the same time, the practice of holding meetings- performances continued in the cities. Perhaps only the evenings of memories that were associated with the end of the Civil War became new.