Kazakhstan Celebrates Defender of the Fatherland Day with Military Parade and National Honors
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan is commemorating Defender of the Fatherland Day today, marking 33 years since the establishment of the nation’s Armed Forces. This day honors the military personnel who protect the country and maintain peace, including women who serve in the armed forces, many holding officer ranks.
The creation of Kazakhstan’s national Armed Forces was formalized on May 7, 1992, when then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree establishing the military. In 2012, May 7 was officially declared a national holiday and a public day off.
The celebration includes a large military parade in Astana at Independence Square near the “Qazaq Eli” monument. Over 4,000 servicemen are participating, along with more than 200 units of military equipment and 66 planes and helicopters. The parade, which begins at 11:00 a.m., will be broadcast live on national TV channels Jibek Joly and Silk Way, as well as on the Defense Ministry’s official YouTube channel. Additionally, Astana residents can view the parade at three designated locations in the city.
The day’s events also include festive concerts from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., featuring Kazakh pop stars and creative groups. Among the guests attending are World War II veterans, home-front workers, combat veterans, elite military units, honor guards, and representatives from Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies.
On May 5, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded top military and special ranks, as well as state honors, to servicemen, rescuers, and security personnel for their courage and contributions to national security. This year’s celebration also marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in World War II.
