Until now, the holiday was celebrated on November 3.
War with Russia
Missile Forces and Artillery Day is now 3.
This was reported by the General Staff and is stated in the presidential decree.
“Honoring the courage and heroism of the soldiers of the missile forces and artillery, demonstrated in the fight for freedom, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and also with the aim of creating new military traditions, I decree to establish in Ukraine the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery, which is celebrated annually on December 4,” the statement says. in the presidential document.
It also notes that the previous document from 1997 on the celebration of this holiday has lost its force.
The decree comes into force on the day of its publication. Zelensky signed it on November 2.
The General Staff explained that the Day of Missile Troops and Artillery will now be celebrated on St. Barbara's Day. The command of the missile troops and artillery came up with this initiative, because the previous date, November 3, was associated with the events of World War II and had Soviet roots.
“The beginning of the celebration on December 4, St. Barbara's Day, today corresponds to the spirit and essence of the heroic warriors of the missile forces and artillery, defending our freedom and independence in the fight against the Russian occupiers,” the General Staff noted.
- In the European tradition, St. Barbara is considered the patroness of artillerymen – one of the most revered saints in Ukrainian Christian culture. In her life story, there is an event associated with lightning and thunder, symbolizing the powerful destructive power of artillery guns.
- According to legend, Varvara was the daughter of a rich pagan, Dioscorus. When she converted to Christianity, her father became angry and executed her with his own hands. But immediately after that, thunder rumbled, lightning struck, and Dioscorus died on the spot. From that moment on, lightning and thunder became a symbol of St. Barbara's patronage over all who deal with explosions and powerful weapons. Therefore, in the Middle Ages, artillerymen began to consider her their patroness.
- In Ukraine, Saint Barbara has been revered since ancient times. According to legend, in 1108, her relics were brought to the Ukrainian lands by the wife of the Kyiv prince Svyatopolk – the daughter of the Byzantine emperor, also Barbara. , Poland and the USA.