Tank Forces Day of Ukraine September 14: History of the Holiday and Greetings

According to glavcom.ua: On September 14, Ukraine celebrates Tank Forces Day. The holiday is dedicated to all servicemen of the tank forces who defend our country with dignity and courage.

Today is a wonderful opportunity to congratulate those who defend our state in the tank forces. More about the history of the holiday and original ways of congratulations can be found in the material from 'Glavkom'.

When is Tank Forces Day of Ukraine celebrated?

In Ukraine, Tank Forces Day is celebrated annually on September 14, according to a decree by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

Honoring the courage and heroism of tank soldiers, demonstrated in the struggle for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as aiming to establish new military traditions

, - is stated in the decree.

History of the Establishment of Tank Forces Day

Since the period of the Soviet Union, specifically from 1980, Tankist Day in Ukraine has been celebrated annually on the second Sunday of September. This tradition was upheld in many countries of the post-Soviet space after the collapse of the USSR.

Against the backdrop of the full-scale Russian invasion and the policy of decommunization, the tradition of celebrating this day has changed. To honor the courage and heroism of Ukrainian tank soldiers in the struggle for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on September 9, 2023, establishing a new Tank Forces Day. It is now celebrated every year on September 14.

This is a day of gratitude not only to the active servicemen-tankists but also to veterans who laid the foundations of this branch of the military, tank builders who create and improve combat vehicles, as well as cadets - future tankists.

What tanks are in service in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian army is one of the largest in the post-Soviet space, armed with many tanks. For example:

• T-72;
• T-80;
• T-64;
• BM 'Bulat';
• T-84 'Oplot' (Ukrainian production);
• German Leopard-1 and Leopard-2;
• British Challenger 2;
• American M1 Abrams;
• French AMX-10 RC.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have quickly adapted to Western technology, transitioning from old Soviet tanks to modern ones. The uniqueness of Ukraine's tank forces also lies in the diversity of equipment they use.

The event marks Tank Forces Day in Ukraine, which celebrates the servicemen of the tank forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree establishing September 14 as a day to honor the courage and heroism of tankists. This new holiday is now celebrated by both modern servicemen and veterans, tank builders, and future tankists.