The 95th anniversary of the Airborne Forces was celebrated in Nizhny Novgorod.

      August 2, 2025, 15:52

      [248]

      Society

      On August 2nd, a celebration of the Airborne Forces Day took place in Gorky Park. Traditionally, memorial events were preceded by a service for veterans of the Airborne Troops in the Church of Elijah the Prophet. The ceremonial part was opened by a rally in honor of Airborne Forces Day.

      The event was organized by the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization of Veterans "Nobody but Us!", the Union of Paratroopers of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, with support from veteran organizations, the regional branch of the United Russia party, and the regional branch of the Young Guard of United Russia of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      "Victory Park is a significant place for holding large-scale memorial and celebratory events of patriotic orientation. It has everything needed to create an atmosphere of national unity, pride for our country and compatriots — the heroes of the Fatherland, who serve as an example for the younger generation. During the celebration, veterans and servicemen of the Airborne Forces, together with youth, mark the 95th anniversary of the legendary Airborne Forces' formation. The Airborne Troops represent a special military culture, traditions, upbringing, and the sacred commandments of the legendary army general and commander of the 'winged infantry' Vasily Filippovich Margelov, which soldiers revere. The Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of Victory especially highlight the contribution of the Airborne Forces to victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as today's participation of our paratroopers in combat operations within the framework of the special military operation in Ukraine," emphasized veteran of the Special Military Operation, chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma, and member of the General Council of United Russia, Evgeny Chintsov.

      Participants laid flowers at the monument of Vasily Filippovich Margelov, honoring the memory of all soldiers and officers of the Airborne Forces who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland in various historical periods.

      "Airborne Forces are a special asset of the Russian Army. Being present at this celebration is a great honor. The noble Airborne Troops have made a tremendous contribution to our military victories in the past. Modern soldiers serve with honor even today. Many paratroopers heroically fight in the current special military operation zone. August 2nd is a day when veterans meet with their comrades and recall their military youth. It is a day of pride for every Russian," said Vasily Sukhano, head of the patriotic and spiritual-moral education commission of the regional branch of United Russia and a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      The holiday was also congratulated by senior sergeant of the Airborne Special Forces and State Duma deputy Artyom Kavinov.

      "Today, we honor special pages of our history associated with the Airborne Forces. Some continue to serve the Motherland bravely and with endurance, while others have left active duty, leaving behind comrades in memory. We remember each one's merits and are proud of our paratroopers. I congratulate everyone on this significant day and wish peace, kindness, and family well-being. May veterans feel honored and respected, and active soldiers return home healthy and unharmed. Glory to the Airborne Forces!" said the deputy.

      Throughout the day, guests of the celebration could visit an exhibition of small arms and learn about the history of the Airborne Forces, try soldier's porridge, and take photos with a life-sized snowman mascot. Especially for the holiday, a striped shirt was sewn for the bear mascot.

      "Congratulations on the 95th anniversary of the 'winged infantry'! We are proud of our hero paratroopers, both past generations and those serving today. I believe it is important to highlight the work of veterans with children and youth. This makes a significant contribution to nurturing the younger generation. I wish everyone the simplest and most important things — good health and a loving family. Happy holiday, comrades-in-arms!" congratulated Lieutenant Colonel, veteran of the Airborne Forces, and chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Public Organization of Veterans "Nobody but Us," Sergey Patlan.

      Among the Airborne Forces veterans was party activist Vladimir Pakov. With his unit, he served throughout Chechnya, performing tasks related to disarming illegal armed groups in the republic. He often had to break out of encirclement, storm heights, and fight in forests and mountains. For bravery and heroism displayed during counter-terrorist operations, he was awarded three Orders of Courage and a medal to the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland."

      "Nearly a century ago, the Airborne troops earned everlasting glory. Paratroopers are always at the forefront, on the most difficult sections. I want to wish veterans and everyone involved in this celebration, especially the young soldiers currently fulfilling combat missions, the most important thing — health. And success. That they return safely — we are waiting for them with victory. We wait for them alive and are very proud that such troops exist in our Army," emphasized veteran of combat operations and deputy of the faction of United Russia in the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Vladimir Pakov.

      The highlight of the spectacular program was a reenactment of a battle between paratroopers and terrorists. The producers based it on the Afghan War.

      "Russian Army’s frontline units, the winged infantry, use the most modern weapons, methods, and tactics. As part of the special military operation, they were the first to engage the enemy on Russian territory — the Airborne Forces drove fascists out of the Kursk region. Today, we see how youth actively joins the ranks of the winged infantry. Serving in the airborne is an honor. Happy holiday to you, comrades!" said Roman Zykov, leader of the regional branch of the Young Guard of United Russia.

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