MOSCOW, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Officials in Russia congratulated their countrymen on celebration of Fatherland Defender's Day, a report said.
"This holiday symbolizes a selfless service to the fatherland and acknowledgment of the Russian military's achievements," Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said, "Servicemen of nowadays armed forces of the Russian Federation carry on these traditions, as they live up to the proud title of Fatherland Defenders."
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly paid tribute to the holiday Friday by placing a wreath close to a northern Kremlin wall at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb.
Putin observed a moment of silence for soldiers who lost their lives while defending the country after Kremlin Regiment soldiers secured the wreath, the report said.
Kremlin Regiment soldiers ended the ceremony by marching past the tomb.
