The Day of the Workers of the Ukrainian Navy (), also known as Navy Day, is a holiday in Ukraine. The holiday celebrates the founding of the Ukrainian Navy. Navy Day is a professional holiday that is celebrated on every first Sunday of July.Ukrainian Navy to celebrate its holiday on first Sunday of July – decree, Interfax-Ukraine (12 June 2015)
History The commemoration was established in 1996 (then to be celebrated August 1). Till 2012 the day was celebrated on August 1.The Global Road Warrior: 100 Country Handbook for the International Business Traveler by Joe Reif, World Trade Press, 2001, From 2012 till 2015 Ukraine had the same date for its Navy Day as Russia (the last Sunday of JulyRussia Showcases Global Ambitions With Military Parades, One in Syria, New York Times (30 July 2017)) and the Soviet Union (like Russia, Ukraine is a former Soviet republic); the Soviet Union introduced its Navy Day in June 1939; the date was chosen because of a connection with the day the Battle of Gangut took place.The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Navy in the Baltic 1921–1941 by Gunnar Åselius, Routledge, 2005, President signs Decree On Celebration of Some Memorable Dates and Professional Holidays , President.gov.ua (30 December 2011) On 24 August 2014 Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declared that Ukraine should not celebrate the holidays of the "military-historical calendar of Russia" but "We will honor the defenders of our homeland, not someone else's". Poroshenko: Ukraine will never celebrate February 23 , TVi (24 August 2014)English-language translation of Poroshenko's Independence Day remarks in Kyiv, Kyiv Post (24 August 2014) On 12 June 2015 a Presidential decree by Poroshenko moved Ukraine's Navy Day to every first Sunday of July.
Commemorations The national leadership and the ranks of the Ukrainian Navy usually congratulate sailors on this professional holiday. Many distinguished employees are awarded with state awards, military ranks, commemorative gifts, government diplomas and official words of gratitude from their command. A naval parade is usually held at the port of Odesa. The parade inspection is done from the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy.
See also Public holidays in Ukraine Navy Day
Notes
References