Russian Air Force Day

Russian Air Force Day (День Военно-воздушных сил) is a professional military holiday of Russia celebrated on 12 August to honor the active and reserve personnel, as well as veterans of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

History
Air Fleet Day (День Воздушного Флота), also known as the Air Forces Day or Soviet Aviation Day was established in 1933 and was celebrated on the third Sunday of August. The first aviation exhibition was held on 18 August 1933, at the initiative of Yakov Alksnis at Moscow's Khodynka Aerodrome. Future air parades were held at Tushino Airfield, where they remained for decades. In 1937, the parade was attended by nearly a million people,

Soviet Air Force Day was enshrined by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on 1 October 1980. On 28 September 1992, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Russia fixed this date as Russian Air Force Day. The modern holiday was introduced to the Russian Armed Forces by President Vladimir Putin on 31 May 2006. The date was chosen based on the fact that 12 August 1912 marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Imperial Russian Air Service,  which was formerly part of the Engineer Corps. 12 August is today considered to be the birthday of Russian military aviation.

Celebrations
Festive events dedicated to the holiday are held annually. Air shows are commonly held at Zhukovsky Airport. Solemn events are held at the Moscow House of War and Armed Forces Veterans. The 2012 Air Force Day celebrations marked the centennial of Russian military aviation, being attended by President Vladimir Putin.