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This year Russian defense ministry for the first time officially celebrates remembrance day of Russians lost in armed conflicts abroad.
Combat Capability [42%],
Role and Missions,
Structure of the Navy,
in-service ships, surface ships, submarines, chronology.
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Russian defense ministry for the first time officially honors compatriots lost abroad
15.02.2011
New date – the Remembrance Day of Russians lost while overseas duties – is celebrated on February 15 in accordance with amendments to the law on memorial days made by Russian parliament on Nov 17, 2010. The document legalized memorable activities regarding all our compatriots who took part in armed conflicts abroad. Traditionally, these activities are held by Afghanistan veterans on February 15 (the day of Soviet troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan).
"Servicemen will participate in wreath-laying ceremonies, meetings, and solemn events related to this date", said the ministry's press release.
According to the release, almost 14,000 Soviet soldiers and officers were lost and died of wounds throughout ten years of combat actions in Afghanistan. Over 200,000 men were awarded with orders and medals, 71 servicemen deserved the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
"Soviet soldiers and officers used to fight in Korea, Vietnam, Syria, Egypt, Mozambique, Angola, etc. Russian servicemen "extinguished" hot spots in former Soviet republics, helped to maintain peace in Yugoslavia, protected people of South Ossetia from genocide", said the ministry's release.
As for defense ministry, "approximately 25,000 our compatriots laid down their lives abroad".
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