MOSCOW, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin honored the heroism of soldiers and praised the courageous work of the military forces in commemoration of the Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Kremlin said in a statement Tuesday.
"We remember the heroism of Russian soldiers who fearlessly defended their homeland, standing up against the hardest blows of our enemies," Putin said, according to the statement.
The holiday is celebrated with great pride and respect for all national defenders "who are protecting Russia's borders today," Putin said.
The president noted that Russia's deeply-rooted tradition of patriotism, along with heroic examples from the past, has created an "inseparable connection" between the people, the state and their defenders.
He praised the efforts of the Russian military who, up to this day, work hard "to ensure the stability, sovereignty and national power of our country, and to defend society and each and every citizen of Russia."
The Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian national holiday on Feb. 23 that celebrates those who are and were serving in the armed forces. Unofficially, it is marked as Men's Day in the country. Enditem