Ukraine is observing the Day of the Marine Corps on May 23.
According to Ukrinform, this is the professional holiday of servicemen of the Marine Corps of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The holiday was first introduced in 2014 and was initially celebrated on November 16 between 2014 and 2017. It was originally linked to the date of approval and the first oath taken by Ukrainian marines in 1992.
The current date of celebration, May 23, was established in 2018 by Presidential Decree No. 145/2018 “On the Day of the Marine Corps of Ukraine.”
The date was chosen to honor the centenary of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921, regarded as the first experience of Ukrainian statehood in the 20th century.
On May 23, 1918, Hetman Pavlo Skoropadsky issued a decree through the Naval Ministry ordering the formation of a Marine Brigade consisting of three regiments for service.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi congratulated Ukrainian marines on their professional holiday on Facebook.
“Today, the Marine Corps is one of the most combat-ready components of Ukraine’s Defense Forces. You continue the proud traditions of the Marine Corps of the Ukrainian army during the First Liberation Struggle, from which today’s date originates, and of the modern Armed Forces of Ukraine. You are strengthening them with new victories and feats,” Syrskyi said.
He emphasized that the Ukrainian Marine Corps is a symbol of resilience, courage, and loyalty to the oath.
“Where the fighting is hardest, marines stand as a wall to stop the enemy. Your heroism in the fiercest battles is forever inscribed in the history of modern Ukraine,” he added.
Syrskyi also expressed gratitude to marines for their professionalism, endurance, and dedication, as well as to veterans who returned to service after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Photo: AFU General Staff
