November 27 — Marine Corps Day in Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on November 27, Russia celebrates Marine Corps Day, a professional holiday for military personnel who ensure the security of strategic facilities on the coast and at sea. In 2025, it falls on Thursday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the celebration, as well as shares sincere congratulations for the military.

Marine Corps Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

Marine Corps Day is a relatively young holiday. It was installed by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy in 1996. In 2024, it was included in the list of official professional holidays and memorable days of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

The date selection is related to a specific historical event. On November 27, 1705, Emperor Peter I signed a decree on the creation of a "regiment of naval soldiers." Although the first such regiment was formed back in 1698 from the crew of the ship "Eagle", it was Peter's decree that is considered the official starting point in the history of the Russian Marine Corps.

Initially, the "marine soldiers" fired rifles at enemy crews, participated in boarding battles and performed guard duty. They received their baptism of fire in 1706 in the Vyborg Bay during the capture of the Swedish boat Espern. The Marines also distinguished themselves in the famous battle of Gangut in 1714.

In the following decades, the Marine Corps underwent restructuring more than once. Divisions were either abolished or created again. Nevertheless, the "sea soldiers" have repeatedly proved their courage.: They participated in the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774, Admiral Ushakov's Mediterranean campaign of 1798-1800, as well as in the defense of Sevastopol in 1854-1855. Despite this, permanent units of the Marine Corps appeared in the Russian army only in 1911.

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In Soviet Russia, the Marine Corps as a special branch of the Navy was formed in 1939. By the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the fleet consisted of about 100 thousand Marines. They participated in the defense of Moscow, Leningrad, Odessa and other cities, and also operated behind enemy lines and assisted the ground forces. The Germans called the Soviet Marines the "black death" because of the color of their berets.

In 1956, during the reorganization of the army, the Marine Corps units were disbanded. However, already in 1963, they began to recreate them in accordance with the new tasks of the USSR Navy. The first Guards Regiment appeared in the Baltic Fleet, then regiments were formed in the Pacific, Northern and Black Sea fleets.

The modern Marine Corps is a highly mobile branch of the coastal forces of the Russian Navy. Its main task is to form landing forces that can perform combat missions both independently and as part of the ground forces. The Marines also ensure the security of the country's coast, naval bases and ports.

Traditions of celebrating Marine Corps Day

The celebration of Marine Corps Day takes place without excessive pomp. As a rule, the events are limited to the ceremonial formation in military units. The command awards distinguished fighters and assigns new ranks. Concerts and demonstrations are organized mainly on major anniversaries.

Despite the modesty of the official celebrations, Marines across Russia celebrate their professional holiday with a special sense of camaraderie and pride in belonging to the elite branch of the armed forces, which has more than three hundred years of history.

Congratulations on Marine Corps Day on November 27

On Marine Corps Day, congratulations are accepted by all military personnel belonging to these units, as well as veterans and students of specialized educational institutions. Here are some examples of wishes:

"Dear Marines, Please accept my most sincere congratulations on your professional holiday! Your indomitable will, courage and devotion to the Motherland command the deepest respect. May your service be a model of courage, and peace and prosperity always reign in life. We wish you good health, good spirits and confidence in the future!"

"Happy Marine Corps Day, defenders of our maritime borders! Your black beret is a symbol of valor, honor and indestructible strength. We sincerely wish that skills and courage were used only in exercises. May the sky above always be peaceful, and love and understanding reign in families. I wish you good health, good luck and prosperity!"

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"Congratulations on Marine Corps Day! This holiday is a tribute to your steadfastness, fearlessness and loyalty to the oath. You are the real elite of the navy, the pride of the country. We wish you to have more peaceful days in your life, and your comrades-in-arms will always remain a reliable support. May the warmth of your home warm your hearts, and the love of your loved ones give you strength!"

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on your glorious holiday! The Marine Corps is not just a branch of the armed forces, it is a brotherhood united by courage and mutual assistance. We wish you invincible health, iron endurance and unwavering self-confidence. May luck accompany you in every business, and pride always lives in your soul for the honestly traveled path!"

"Dear Marines, We sincerely congratulate you on your professional holiday! Your strength of spirit and willingness to sacrifice admire and inspire confidence in the security of our country. We wish that your fighting spirit never weakens, and that you always have loyal friends by your side. May every day bring joy, and may the family give endless support and warmth!"

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the Day of the Military Motorist.