Mongolian military day

Men's and Soldiers' Day (Mongolian: Эр цэргийн баяр, Эрчүүдийн баяр) is a public holiday in Mongolia is celebrated on 18 March annually. Being the official holiday of the Mongolian Armed Forces, it is the equivalent of Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia and/or the male version of International Women's Day.[1][2][3][4]

Men's and Soldiers' Day
Эр цэргийн баяр, Эрчүүдийн баяр
Members of the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force stand in formation during the Soldiers Day celebrations in Camp Eggers, Afghanistan.
Also called
  • Army Day (Армийн өдөр)
  • Soldiers Day (Цэргийн баяр)
Observed by Mongolia
TypeState
SignificanceCelebrated the founding anniversary of the Mongolian People's Army
CelebrationsMilitary ceremonies and events
Date18 March
Next time18 March 2024 (2024-03-18)
Frequencyannual

Background

In March 1921, during the early stages of the Mongolian Revolution of 1921, a Mongolian guerrilla army led by Damdin Sükhbaatar as Supreme Commander launched an offensive at the Chinese garrison at Kyakhta Maimaicheng (Altanbulag, Selenge). The offensive followed a failed attempt by the Mongolian People's Party central committee to reach an ultimatum with Chinese troops. Despite Sükhbaatar's 400-man army being heavily outnumbered by the Chinese, he led his troops to victory in taking the town.[5] This event is considered to be the date that gave birth to the modern Mongolian Armed Forces and the preceding Mongolian People's Army.

Celebrations

The holiday is celebrated in many different ways as it is both a civilian and military holiday. The military side usually conducts promotion and award ceremonies. The Chief of General Staff usually takes part in a wreath laying ceremony on Sükhbaatar Square.[6] The President of Mongolia in his/her position as commander-in-chief usually sends greetings on the holiday, often visiting the country's National Defense University.[7] Military tattoos are held in the capital of Ulanbaatar as well as gala concerts.[8]

The 100th anniversary of the armed forces was celebrated in 2021.[9][10]

References
  1. Charles R. Bawden, The Modern History of Mongolia, London 1968
  2. "Mongolia celebrates Soldiers' Day".
  3. "Мэндчилгээний үгс: Тэнгэрлэг эрчүүддээ "Эр цэргийн баяр"-ын мэнд хүргэе".
  4. "18 марта Монголия отметит День монгольского солдата_Russian.news.cn".
  5. "18 марта - День монгольского солдата".
  6. Sanders, Alan J. K. (2017-08-25). Historical Dictionary of Mongolia. ISBN 9781538102275.
  7. "President Battulga Sends Greetings for Mongolian Soldier's Day". 16 March 2018.
  8. "Mongolia celebrates Soldiers' Day | the UB Post". Archived from the original on 2016-10-07. Retrieved 2019-06-19.
  9. "Зэвсэгт хүчний 100 жилийн ойг тэмдэглэх төлөвлөгөө гарчээ". MONTSAME News Agency. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
  10. "АНУ-ЫН НЭГДСЭН ШТАБЫН ДАРГА МОНГОЛ ЦЭРГҮҮДЭД МЭНДЧИЛГЭЭ ИРҮҮЛЛЭЭ". gsmaf.gov.mn. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
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