I sincerely congratulate the army and navy soldiers, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, representatives of the security forces - all who protect the borders of our great Motherland and are always ready to defend it from external encroachments - on the Defender of the Fatherland Day.

We are rightly proud of the military traditions of the Russian Armed Forces. Our fathers and grandfathers heroically defended the Fatherland during the years of severe trials. And we are obliged to preserve and enhance the glorious traditions of the Russian army.