On this significant date, Russia pays tribute to the Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, Knights of the Order of St. George, and the Order of Glory. Today, we honor those whose outstanding achievements and heroic deeds for the Fatherland have forever etched their names in the history of the Russian state and its defense. As per tradition, every year on December 9, a solemn reception is held in the St. George Hall of the Kremlin on behalf of the President of Russia for Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full Knights of the Order of Glory, and Knights of the Order of St. George. The Heroes of the Fatherland Day traces its history back to the 18th century. On December 9, 1769, Empress Catherine the Great established the Order of St. George, the highest military honor in the Russian Empire, awarded for exceptional bravery on the battlefield. Over 10,000 individuals received this order. In 1807, the St. George Cross was introduced as a distinction for soldiers, becoming one of the most respected military awards. After the 1917 Revolution, the celebration was abolished, and the order was replaced with new honors. In 1934, the Soviet Union established the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. This title was adopted by the Russian Federation in 1992, becoming the Hero of the Russian Federation. To date, approximately 1,500 individuals have been awarded this title, including servicemen distinguished in special military operations. In 2016, the title was posthumously awarded to Ambassador Andrei Karlov for his courage during a terrorist act in Ankara.