The Council of People's Commissars set up the Red Army by decree on January 15, 1918 ( Old Style) (January 28, 1918), basing it on the already-existing Red Guard. The official Red Army Day of February 23, 1918 marked the day of the first mass draft of the Red Army in Petrograd and Moscow, and of the first combat action against the occupying imperial German army. February 23 became an important national holiday in the Soviet Union, later celebrated as "Soviet Army Day", and it continues as a day of celebration in present-day Russia as Defenders of the Motherland Day.

February 23 - Man's Day. Defenders of the Motherland Day.
Until recently this holiday was known as Soviet Army Day but nowadays it has become a holiday for all men by analogy with the similar Women's Day. Men are congratulated and given presents.

Next is February 23, Day, known until recently as Soviet Army Day, popularly viewed as holiday for all men and closely followed by its female counter-part, Women's Day, March 8, when women receive flowers, presents and are toasted by men.

Description: Until recently this holiday was known as Soviet Army Day. Nowadays it is similar the Father's Day. It is our tribute of respect to all the generations of Russian soldiers from the ancient times till nowadays to those who defeated courageously our motherland from invaders.
Celebration: On this day all the masculine representatives from boys to old men receive congratulations and presents and the military men greet each other. Women have a happy opportunity to say the warmest and the sweetest words to their lovers and to please them with sings of attention.
Popular gifts: muffler, socks, books, bottle of wine, perfume, models of cars and airplanes…