Our country celebrates Heroes of the Fatherland Day on 9 December. It was on this day in 1769 that Empress Catherine II established the highest military award - the Order of St George the Victorious.

The order had four degrees of distinction and was awarded to warriors who showed courage and honor in battle. In 1807, based on the model of this award, an insignia for lower ranks was established - the St George Cross, which became one of the most revered military awards.

Before the revolution of 1917, every year on 9 December, all Knights of St George were honored. After the October Revolution, the holiday was canceled and the order was replaced with new awards.

In 2000, the Order of St George was restored as the highest military award in Russia, and in 2007 the holiday was revived - the Heroes of the Fatherland Day.

On this day, those who have been awarded the most honorable state awards are honored - the titles of Heroes of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation, the Orders of Glory and St George.