September 15 is the Day of Specialists of Radiation, Chemical, Biological Protection of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Day of the Forest Worker in Ukraine, and the International Day of Democracy.
Day of radiation, chemical, biological defense specialists of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Every year on September 15, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Specialists of Radiation, Chemical, Biological Protection (RKBZ) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This day is a recognition of the significant contribution of the RKBZ units to ensuring the safety of the Ukrainian military and civilians in the event of threats related to chemical, radiation or biological hazards.
The RKBZ troops were created to protect the Armed Forces of Ukraine from radiation, chemical and biological threats, as well as to eliminate the consequences of man-made or natural emergencies. In connection with modern challenges, especially during war, the role of these forces has increased significantly, as the use of weapons of mass destruction becomes a real risk.
Interesting facts
The roots of the RKBZ troops go back to the Soviet period, when the threat of radiation or chemical damage was considered one of the most serious. However, since the independence of Ukraine, the units of the Russian Armed Forces have been reformed to meet new threats and modern conditions of war.
RKBZ specialists undergo special training in chemical analysis, radiation monitoring and combating biological threats. This includes not only training to respond to combat situations, but also readiness to eliminate the consequences of man-made disasters.
During the full-scale aggression of Russia against Ukraine, the troops of the Russian Armed Forces are actively applying their skills to protect military and civilians from potential chemical attacks, minimize the impact of man-made accidents, and conduct sanitary and hygienic measures in combat zones.
In addition to military tasks, RKBZ specialists also participate in work aimed at protecting the civilian population from radiation and chemical threats as a result of accidents at infrastructure facilities or industrial enterprises.
Ukrainian troops of the Russian Armed Forces actively cooperate with international organizations, such as NATO, to obtain advanced technologies and methods of countering radiation, chemical and biological threats.
Forest worker’s day in Ukraine
Forest Worker’s Day is celebrated in Ukraine every year on the third Sunday of September. This is a professional holiday of all those who are engaged in the preservation, restoration and protection of forest resources, which have an important ecological, economic and social significance for the country.
The holiday was established back in Soviet times, but after Ukraine gained independence, it retained its relevance. Forestry plays an important role in ensuring environmental stability, preserving biodiversity and developing the country’s economy, providing jobs and timber for various industries.
Interesting facts
Ukraine has about 10 million hectares of forests, which is approximately 15% of the country’s territory. Forests play a key role in providing oxygen, preventing soil erosion, conserving water resources and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Ukrainian forests are home to numerous species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The work of foresters is aimed at protecting and restoring ecosystems, which are an important part of the country’s natural heritage.
Every year, foresters plant millions of trees to restore forests after deforestation or natural disasters such as fires or hurricanes. This is one of the main elements of sustainable forest management.
In addition to their regular work, foresters in Ukraine face the challenges of illegal logging and timber smuggling, which threatens the ecosystem. In response to these challenges, new control and management systems are being introduced to ensure sustainable forestry development.
Many forest workers are engaged in educational activities, holding environmental events and lectures for schoolchildren and the public, emphasizing the importance of forest conservation and a responsible attitude to nature.
International Day of Democracy
International Day of Democracy established by the UN in 2007. This holiday is designed to draw attention to the importance of democracy as a basis for the stable and peaceful development of societies. The importance of this day is to recall the key principles of democracy, such as the participation of citizens in decision-making, the protection of human rights and the rule of law.
The International Day of Democracy was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly to strengthen democratic institutions and practices around the world. Democracy is a process that needs constant maintenance, development and adaptation to new challenges, including technological change, globalization and political crises.
Interesting facts
Although elections are an important part of democracy, the process involves much more. It covers transparency of government, access to information, freedom of speech, equal rights for all citizens and the opportunity to participate in political life regardless of social status, gender or religion.
There are many forms of democracy in the world, each of which has its own characteristics. While some countries follow a classical parliamentary system, others use models of direct or mixed forms of democracy, adapting them to their own cultural and political contexts.
Civil society is a key element in the functioning of democracy. It not only provides control over power, but also promotes the development of political culture, raising the level of legal awareness and active participation of citizens in political processes.
In today’s world, democratic processes face a variety of challenges, including populism, authoritarianism, media manipulation, and the influence of large corporations. The International Day of Democracy reminds us of the need to constantly fight for the preservation of democratic principles.
For Ukraine, democracy is one of the main values defended during the war with Russia. Ukrainians are choosing the right to a free and democratic future, demonstrating to the world the importance of protecting freedom and sovereignty.
Historical events on this day
1916 – tanks were used in combat for the first time
On September 15, 1916, tanks were used for the first time in history on the Western Front during the First World War. British troops used them during the Battle of the Somme River. Tanks proved effective, able to overcome trenches and barbed wire, although their speed was slow and their mechanisms unreliable. Nevertheless, it was an important breakthrough in military strategy, changing the tactics of warfare for the future.
1917 – publication of the first issue of “Forbes” magazine
On September 15, 1917, the world saw the first issue of “Forbes” magazine, founded by Bertie Charles Forbes. From the very beginning, this magazine became famous for its analytical materials on business, investments and economic trends. Subsequently, “Forbes” turned into one of the most authoritative business publications in the world, known for its rankings of the richest people on the planet.
1941 – arrest of Stepan Bandera and Yaroslav Stetsk in Berlin
In September 1941, Stepan Bandera, one of the leaders of the OUN, and Yaroslav Stetsko, the head of the government proclaimed in Lviv, were imprisoned in Berlin. The reason for their arrest was the proclamation of the Act on the Restoration of the Ukrainian State in Lviv on June 30, 1941, which caused a negative reaction from Nazi Germany, as this step contradicted its plans for the occupied territories.
1944 – the opening of the renewed State Museum of Western and Eastern Art in Kyiv
On September 15, 1944, after reconstruction due to the destruction during the Second World War, the updated State Museum of Western and Eastern Arts opened in Kyiv. Today it is the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenki National Art Museum, known for its unique collection of European, Asian and other types of art, which remains one of the most important cultural centers of Ukraine.
1971 – founding of the organization “Greenpeace” in Vancouver
In September 1971, the world-famous environmental organization “Greenpeace” was established in the Canadian city of Vancouver. Her first action was aimed at protesting the US nuclear tests near Alaska. The organization has become a symbol of the fight for environmental protection, and its actions have drawn attention to important environmental problems, from water pollution to global warming.
1991 – All-Ukrainian People’s Party in support of the Act on the Independence of Ukraine
In Kyiv, on September 15, 1991, on Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Square, the All-Ukrainian People’s Party was held, at which citizens expressed their support for the recently adopted Act of Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine. This event demonstrated a high level of support for the idea of independence among Ukrainians on the eve of the referendum, which finally established the independence of the state.
1991 – the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine canceled the resolution on the Russian status of Sevastopol
On September 15, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed a decision to cancel the resolution of the Sevastopol City Council, which tried to grant the city the special status of a Russian city. This decision became an important step in strengthening the territorial integrity of Ukraine, protecting Sevastopol from claims for its separate political status.
1994 – accession of Ukraine to the Convention on Combating Money Laundering
In September 1994, Ukraine joined the international Convention “On Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime”. This agreement was an important step in the fight against corruption and illegal activities, ensuring Ukraine’s participation in global efforts to control and combat financial crimes.
2008 – the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the beginning of the World Economic Crisis
On September 15, 2008, one of the largest US banks, Lehman Brothers, declared bankruptcy, which became a symbol of the beginning of the World Economic Crisis of 2008. This event led to a global financial collapse that had serious economic consequences for countries around the world.
