Day of the Chekist: on guard ... what?

Day of the Chekist is an unofficial but popular by the people name of the Day of Workers of the Security Authorities of our country. It was founded in 1995 by Boris Yeltsin, who was then the President of Russia. On December 20, everyone who relates to the FSB, FSO, and other security agencies celebrates their holiday.

history of the holiday

The date was not chosen by chance. It was on this day, but only in 1917, that the first All-Russian Extraordinary Commission began its work in the history of the state. It was she who gave the united name to all the "security men". A commission was created specifically to combat sabotage and counter-revolution. The very first Chekist of the country was F. Dzerzhinsky. His post was called "the chairman of the Cheka". Of course, the activities of the Cheka, like much in the history of our country, were mixed. On the one hand, in an effort to build communism, the Cheka became a punitive organization in the service of the Communist Party. Called to fight the enemies of the revolution, the commission sought to destroy the old order, the familiar social structures. Sometimes whole social communities or peoples became victims of the Cheka. This is what the opponents of the Communists emphasize, organizing their rallies on the Day of the Chekists. However, one can not refuse from one's past, just as it is impossible to see only negative aspects in history. On the Day of the Chekist, we must remember that the Cheka performed its duty: with all its might it supported the authority that it created. The chekists can not pay for the mistakes made by the authorities, to be extreme in the history of the country. It was this idea that was especially stressed by V. Putin, speaking on the Day of the Chekist before the best representatives of the security services.
Putin also noted that, developing along with the state, employees of services have always remained true to their duty, and this is their main merit and pride. Over time, the task of the Chekists changed. Today they do not suppress the rights of Russian citizens and their freedom, but support the Constitution.

Who is considered chekist today?

In the USSR, all those who today celebrate Chekist Day belonged to the same organization: the State Security Committee. With the collapse of the country, the KGB also changed its structure. The day of the Chekist-2013 was celebrated by all those who serve in the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), work in the Security Council (FSB), have a relationship with the Federal Security Service (FSO) or implement special presidential programs. Congratulations on the Day of the Chekist every year the President, emphasizing the importance of security services. In honor of employees in relevant bodies, festive concerts are organized on all stages of the country. Professors and relatives congratulate. After all, for them, all Chekists are primarily loved ones, close people.

Special opinion

By the way, part of the historians, based on Putin's words about the fundamental differences between today's security agencies and the Cheka, suggest the transfer of the Chekist Day to July 15. On this day, in 1826, Nicholas the first created the Third Department, which also dealt with security. His boss Benckendorff said that the more tears he drained, the more faithfully he would serve the king. These words are always contrasted with the tough, "punitive" task posed by the Chekists to Lenin.