Vladimir Putin sent greetings on Russian Guards Day to the personnel of Guards units, formations, military divisions, ships, military academies of the Defence Ministry, and veterans of the Armed Forces.
The message reads, in part:
“Established 300 years ago, the Russian Guards has built a glorious track record of achievement in combat, marked by major victories and triumphs during the Great Northern War and the siege of Ochakov, while fighting the Patriotic War of 1812 and during the battles of the First World War. The Guards personnel have performed their duty with honour by honestly serving their Motherland.
The feats by the commanders, fighters and Red Army sailors during the battles of the Great Patriotic War added new pages to the chronicle of heroism by the Guards units that were revived in September 1941.
The battlefield traditions of the Russian military have been passed from one generation to another. Today, during the special military operation, the Guards personnel operate in the most challenging and dangerous sections of the front to liberate our historical lands by demonstrating unrivalled courage, bravery and valour.
I must note that new divisions and formations, as well as military academies are joining the Guards family. Only recently, the Defence Ministry’s Moscow Military Command School and the Novosibirsk Military Command School received this honorary designation.
I wish soldiers and officers who proudly carry the Guards badges pinned to their chests every success in their service, while wishing the veterans of the Armed Forces good health and all the best.”