Defender of Ukraine Day
🇺🇦 Ukraine
- Public Holiday
- Countrywide
- Fixed date
Overview
Defender of Ukraine Day, officially the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, honors the country's military veterans and fallen soldiers. Celebrated as a public holiday on 1 October, it recognizes both men and women who have defended Ukraine.
What It Is
The day is a public holiday in Ukraine, observed on 1 October. It is a time for remembrance and gratitude toward members of the armed forces, both serving and fallen, as well as veterans. Official ceremonies and commemorations take place, and the occasion has also been marked in culture, with Ukraine's postal service issuing commemorative stamps and the National Bank of Ukraine issuing a commemorative coin in the series Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Why It Matters
The holiday was created by a presidential decree in 2014 during the Russo-Ukrainian War and approved by parliament in 2015. It replaced the Soviet-era Defender of the Fatherland Day on 23 February, reflecting a decision to honor Ukraine's own defenders rather than a calendar inherited from the Soviet Union. Its date draws on the old tradition of honoring the army on the feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos, which Ukrainian Cossacks celebrated with the Mother of God as their patroness.
Countries Celebrating
1 country
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