On December 12, the Day of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, the World Day of General Medical Care, the International Day of Neutrality and the Day of Unspoken Thoughts are celebrated.
Outstanding personalities in the field of culture were born on this day — Leonid Bykov and Frank Sinatra.
Day of the Land Forces of Ukraine
This is a professional holiday of one of the most important components of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The ground forces are the most numerous type of the Ukrainian army, the main task of which is the defense of the territorial integrity of the state, the protection of its independence and sovereignty.
The holiday was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine in 1997 to emphasize the important role of military personnel who serve in mechanized, tank, artillery, reconnaissance and other units.
The ground forces take an active part in hostilities in the east of Ukraine, distinguishing themselves with heroism and devotion. Their contribution to strengthening the defense capability of the country is invaluable, and the traditions of this service are formed on the basis of patriotism, discipline and professionalism.
Interesting facts
The Ground Forces include not only mechanized and tank units, but also artillery, air defense troops, engineering troops, as well as intelligence and special units.
After 2014, the Ukrainian military gained unique combat experience, which made them one of the most professional in the world.
Ground forces regularly participate in international exercises, such as Rapid Trident and Sea Breeze, improving cooperation with the armies of NATO countries.
Mechanized brigades are the most numerous in the Ground Forces and perform key tasks on the front line.
Ukrainian tankers have repeatedly demonstrated high skill, and the domestic tank T-84 “Oplot” is one of the most modern in the world.
Military units of the Ground Forces operate in many cities of Ukraine, which provides not only protection, but also cooperation with communities.
Universal Health Care Day
Every year on December 12, the world celebrates Universal Health Care Day, which was declared by the United Nations in 2017. This day is designed to remind about the importance of access to quality medical services for every person, regardless of their financial status, social status or place of residence.
The topic of universal health care is closely related to the right to health, which is one of the basic human rights. The main goal of this initiative is to ensure that all people can get the medical care they need without the risk of financial hardship.
Interesting facts
Some countries, such as Norway and Japan, have highly developed health care systems that guarantee access to health services for all citizens, while in many developing countries this access is limited.
Every year, millions of people face catastrophic costs due to the need to pay for medical treatment. Lack of health insurance is one of the main reasons.
Universal health care is one of the key tasks of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are planned to be achieved by 2030.
COVID-19 has shown the importance of a strong health system that can provide an effective response to global challenges.
International Day of Neutrality
This day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2017, it reminds of the importance of neutrality as a principle that contributes to the peaceful coexistence of states, the prevention of conflicts and the maintenance of stability in the world.
Neutrality is not only the position of individual countries, but also an important element in international relations. It allows states to remain outside military blocs, avoid involvement in conflicts, and focus on peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and mediation between conflicting parties.
Interesting facts
Turkmenistan was officially recognized as a permanently neutral state by the UN in 1995. This status is enshrined in its Constitution and international agreements.
Switzerland has remained neutral for over 200 years, allowing it to be the site of numerous peace negotiations.
Neutrality is also used by international organizations such as the International Red Cross to guarantee access to victims of conflicts.
Neutral countries often act as mediators in negotiations and contribute to the settlement of international disputes.
The International Day of Neutrality promotes the strengthening of the culture of dialogue and cooperation between countries.
A holiday of unspoken thoughts
This unique holiday is designed to encourage people to explore, acknowledge and, if they wish, share their deepest, sometimes even taboo, thoughts. Its purpose is to help people open up to themselves and others, to free themselves from feelings of shame or fear of judgment for what they think. It is an opportunity to find accomplices who share similar feelings, or simply to give vent to what is hidden deep inside.
Interesting facts
In many countries, events are held on this day, where through literature, theater or music, people share their “forbidden” thoughts in a creative way.
Expressing hidden thoughts can help combat stress and anxiety, creating an emotional release effect.
The holiday promotes the discussion of topics that are considered socially unacceptable and helps to rethink cultural or moral prohibitions.
By sharing their thoughts, people understand each other better, which helps to strengthen ties in society.
In many cases, opinions are voiced anonymously, allowing people to be honest without fear of being judged.
Historical events on this day
1764 – Abolition of the Hetmanate. Russian empress Catherine II officially abolished the Hetmanship in Ukraine, which meant the elimination of the autonomy of the Cossack state. This event became a key stage in the process of the destruction of Ukrainian statehood within the borders of the Russian Empire.
1799 – Napoleon becomes the first consul of France. After the coup d’état of 18 Brumaire, Napoleon Bonaparte led France as First Consul, beginning a reign that influenced the entire world.
1901 – The first transatlantic radio communication. Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi carried out the first successful session of signal transmission across the Atlantic Ocean. He transmitted the letter “S” in Morse code from Great Britain to Canada, which was a breakthrough in the field of communications.
1925 – Change of power in Iran. Reza Pahlavi officially ascended the throne of the Shah of Iran, ushering in a new era in the country’s history.
A hotel called Motel Inn also opened in the USA. His concept gave the name to the entire category of similar establishments – motels.
1955 – Patented hovercraft. British engineer Christopher Cockerell received a patent for a hovercraft, which became a revolution in the field of transportation.
1979 – Introduction of Soviet troops into Afghanistan. The Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU decided to send troops to Afghanistan, which was the beginning of one of the most protracted and controversial conflicts in the history of the USSR.
1990 – The first Ukrainian object on the UNESCO list. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the first object from Ukraine to receive such a status.
1991 – Abolition of criminal liability for homosexual relations in Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted this historic decision, which became an important step in the struggle for human rights.
1996 – Madeleine Albright became the first woman to serve as US Secretary of State. This decision was an important achievement in the cause of gender equality in US politics.
2007 – The trial of Serhiy Tkach, the bloodiest serial killer in the history of Ukraine, has begun in Dnipropetrovsk. He was found guilty of 29 murders and sentenced to life imprisonment.
2008 – Switzerland joined the Schengen zone. This allowed the country to integrate into the European space without borders, simplifying travel and trade.
Frank Sinatra’s birthday
Francis Albert Sinatra, known to the world as Frank Sinatra, was born on December 12, 1915 in the city of Hoboken, New Jersey, in a family of Italian immigrants. The son of boxer-firefighter Martin Sinatra from Sicily and nurse Dolly Garavante, he became one of the brightest figures of American culture of the 20th century.
Sinatra was a true all-rounder: singer, actor, director, producer and showman. His “velvet” voice and unique romantic performance style forever changed the world of music. He received 11 Grammy awards, including Lifetime Achievement. Sinatra was also a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award winner, and was recognized for promoting human rights. In 1997, a year before his death, he received the highest US award, the Congressional Gold Medal.
His creativity, style and charisma became symbols of the era, and his quotes remained a source of inspiration for many generations:
“The best revenge is a huge success.”
“The ideal age for marriage for a man is about ninety years, two minutes before death.”
“I admit that alcohol is an enemy of man, but doesn’t the Bible teach us to love our enemies?”.
“Hate doesn’t solve any problems, it only creates them.”
“Love is when you want to sing day and night. Without a fee and a manager.”
“Live until you are a hundred years old, and maybe the last voice you hear will be mine.”
Sinatra was not just an artist – he became an icon, a symbol of romance, style and the power of the human spirit. His music continues to resonate in the hearts of millions, and his impact on culture is hard to overestimate.
When he passed away on May 14, 1998, the world press called this day “the end of the 20th century”, so great was his influence. Frank Sinatra is not just a page in history, it is an entire era that will never disappear from the memory of mankind.
Leonid Bykov’s birthday
On December 12, 1928, Leonid Bykov was born in the village of Znamenske, Slovyansk district, Donetsk region, an outstanding Ukrainian actor, director and screenwriter, whose talent and charisma won the hearts of millions.
Since childhood, he dreamed of becoming a pilot and twice tried to enter flight schools. The first time he was “exposed” by the attribution of age, and the second time, in 1945, he entered the Leningrad special school for pilots. But the war ended, and the school was disbanded. The dream of becoming a pilot remained unfulfilled, but it led Bykov to another vocation – art.
He entered the Kharkiv Theater Institute, after which he worked at the Kharkiv Theater named after Taras Shevchenko. He made his film debut in 1952, and it was the screen that brought him real recognition. His role in the film “Only “old men” go to battle” became a symbol of sincerity, humor and courage. His words, filled with life wisdom, became winged:
“In life, one should not smoke, but burn. And firmly know what you want.”
“Everything is transient, but music is eternal.”
“Where the infantry does not pass and the armored train does not rush, Maxim will crawl on his belly – and nothing will happen to him!”
Leonid Bykov tragically died in a car accident on April 11, 1979 near Kyiv. In his will, he left an instruction:
“No orchestras, the House of Cinema and funeral speeches, otherwise I will get up and leave – there will be confusion. Let someone say the word “goodbye” and that’s it. There is no need for a circus called honors.”
