"The holiday is rightfully national and embodies the heroic pages of the military chronicle of our country ... On this day we honor all who served and serve, who fought for the freedom and independence of the Motherland," says Shoigu's congratulatory order.
The Minister of Defense stressed that "special words of gratitude and respect deserve the veterans of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, the generation of victors who saved the country and the world from Nazism."
According to him, the Russian military is constantly improving their professional training, mastering modern technology, solving important tasks to strengthen the country's defense and protect its national interests.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video message also congratulated Russian servicemen and veterans on Defender of the Fatherland Day.