Number of citizens and veterans gathered on Saturday at Victory park in Yerevan for a traditional ceremony dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrated on February 23.

The ceremony also featured Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin, who congratulated all serviceman who serve as border guard protecting both Armenia and Russia.

“As you know we have close allied relations, Armenians have made great contribution to the formation of Russian Armed Forces and our cooperation today comes to testify that,” the Ambassador said.

To note, February 23 marks Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia and number of CIS countries.
Since 1923, February 23 has marked Red Army and Navy Day. In 1946-1992, the holiday was celebrated as Soviet Army and Navy Day, but in 1993 it was renamed Defender of the Fatherland Day.