Every year on May 18, Russians celebrate the Baltic Fleet Day of the Russian Navy .
It was first celebrated in 1996, the year after its official approval by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy. Why exactly this date became significant for those who served and serves, why on May 18 they accept congratulations on the day of the Baltic Fleet?
Birthday of the Russian fleet
The background of this holiday is as follows. Centuries ago, it was on May 18, 1703, that the military personnel of the flotilla, commanded by Peter the Great himself, defeated the Swedes in an unequal battle. 30 boats of the Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments literally cut off all the indentations of the Swedish ships Astrild and Gedan, blocking them at the mouth of the Neva River.
This significant battle entered the historical record as the first victory of Russia not in land, but in naval battle. And the birthday of the Russian Navy was rightfully appointed on May 18. Day of the Baltic Fleet of Russia - so it is now called. All participants of that battle for the shown unprecedented courage were awarded special awards from the sovereign, carried out according to his idea and plan. On these medals the inscription “Unprecedented happens” flaunted.
Military victories of the Baltic Fleet
The merits of the Baltic Fleet before their Fatherland cannot be counted. It is thanks to the flotilla that our country has managed more than once to defeat the Swedes in the battles of 1700-1721, related to the period of the Northern War. It was the Baltic people who subsequently defended in the naval battles with the Swedes of the cities of Kronstadt and Gangut, did not surrender Sveaborg and Petersburg to the enemy. These exploits of the Baltic Fleet date back to 1853-1856 - the period when the Swedes tried to completely push Russia out of the Baltic coast.
The invaluable assistance of the USSR in the fight against Nazism was also provided by the heroic Baltic people. They participated in the defense of the hero city of Leningrad, in every possible way contributed to the ground and air forces of the USSR in battles for the Baltic territories, the lands of East Prussia. More than 1200 enemy ships were destroyed by the Baltic Fleet during World War II, several thousand enemy aircraft were shot down by naval aviation. Sailors also participated in land battles with the Nazi invaders.
But not only military operations became famous for the Baltic. May 18 - Baltic Fleet Day is also a celebration of those who glorified our country with various geographical finds. 432 objects on the world map bear the names of their Baltic discoverers. It was they who became the first of the Russians who decided to travel around the world and just long voyages.
In the ranks of Baltic heroes, such names and surnames as Admiral Nakhimov, Admiral Ushakov, the great travelers Bering and Bellingshausen, outstanding scientists Popov, Jacobi and others are widely known.
Honorable mission - to serve in the ranks of the Baltic Fleet
What is this famous fleet today? The Baltic Fleet is an ordered and balanced grouping of troops and forces, which has both surface ships and submarines, and also includes naval aviation. On a special account are the troops of the coastline and the base of material and technical equipment. All these units are continuously, 24 hours a day, year-round, on high alert and capable of repelling the enemy’s most powerful blow at any time. The Baltic Fleet has everything for this: specially trained military personnel, powerful modern naval equipment, and experienced unit commanders.
It is no coincidence that in Russia such great attention is given to the preparation and support of the Baltic Fleet. At the time, this brainchild of Peter the Great helped Russia to gain the status of a strong sea power. All subsequent rulers of our country continued the good undertaking of Peter 1. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Baltic Fleet, it is still considered one of the main resources in ensuring security in the north-west of the Russian Federation.
Holiday of modern Russia
On this day, festive events are traditionally held on all ships that belong to the Baltic Fleet. Early in the morning there they raise the flags of the Navy. Then, usually by noon, they arrange a parade of naval ships, on which the entire high command of the fleet is present. Traditionally, the show is held in St. Petersburg.
Those vessels that do not participate in the parade of warships accept congratulations from their senior management at the ceremonial construction.
How to congratulate the one who served in the Baltic Fleet?
An excellent gift on the Day of the Baltic Fleet for anyone who has performed military or contract service can be any souvenir products with the appropriate symbols. You can give a key chain with the flag of the fleet, a pen, a flask for spirits. Gifts such as household items and household items with color printing are gaining popularity. Print an army photo of the person you want to congratulate on a beautiful coffee mug, t-shirt, decorative sofa cushion. Or depict on these objects something related to service in the ranks of the Navy, it can be a warship, paraphernalia or just a beautiful inscription "Serving the Fatherland."
Everyone loves to receive gifts without exception. Moreover, the gift may not be a certain little thing, but simply unexpected congratulations on the Baltic Fleet Day with warm and kind wishes.
Several options for unusual congratulations:
1. Letter or postcard
In the era of information technology, people have already lost the habit of traditional letters and postcards. But it is so nice to receive a real letter or postcard by mail. Even if the person you want to congratulate lives in the same house with you, you can send him a letter by Russian Post. Imagine how he would be surprised to receive an envelope on a holiday. Such a gift will remind a man of the years of his service, when he himself wrote such letters to his home, parents or lover.
2. Playcast.
There are many services on the Internet where you can create a “live” postcard - a playcast. A playcast is a beautiful selection of photos, animations, combined with music. Here can be used as a photo of the most congratulated, as well as pictures from extraneous resources. You can also choose music as you wish. You just need to send a link to the finished playcast to the recipient. This can be done using any of the social networks used by the one you congratulate.
3. Holiday poster
If you like to draw, then this idea is just for you. Draw on a large sheet of whatman paper a congratulation on Baltic Fleet Day. Print and paste pictures of warships, building sailors in full dress. In a word, show your imagination.
Words to say
Any congratulations should not only come from the heart, but also be folding and beautiful. If you verbally congratulate, you can formulate your wishes in your own words. For example: Dear (dad, husband, brother, etc.), I congratulate you on Baltic Fleet Day. You are very strong and courageous, therefore I can boldly call you the master of storms and seas. It's not scary with you, because you can always protect. Stay like that in the future, and let you have a good mood and good luck in everything! "
If you like congratulations in verses, then try to compose it yourself so that it is as much as possible connected with the name, age, and type of activity of the person you congratulate.
And finally, if there is no way to personally congratulate a person, write him an SMS. Brief and concise, but such that touched to the core.