Green beret, a dog on a leash, the border locked. On May 28th, Russia celebrates Border Guard Day. It's not just a professional holiday. It's a day of bravery, traditions, and green berets worn with pride. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Thursday. The border won't be closed, but veterans will take to the streets, put on their berets, and hold meetings at memorials. They will remember those who didn't return from the patrol. When and Why May 28th The date is not chosen by chance. On May 28, 1918, the Decree of the Council of People's Commissars established the Border Guard Service of the RSFSR. At that time, it was a small service, but it expanded within a year. After the dissolution of the USSR, the holiday was preserved in Russia, as well as in Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (on different dates). In 2026, Border Guard Day is celebrated for the 108th time. For a military holiday, that's a solid age. The first official celebration took place in 1958. That's when the tradition of green berets appeared. They started wearing them instead of red ones, which were worn until 1955. Who Are the Border Guards A border guard is a military personnel who protects the state border on land, water, and in the air. They are part of the FSB of Russia (Border Service). The work is dangerous: smugglers, illegals, spies, armed groups. They serve on the border with 16 countries (the length of the Russian border is 61 thousand km, almost a full equator). Service conditions are harsh: in the mountains, swamps, tundra, on barren shores. In the rain, heat, snow. Often far from cities. Border guards live on outposts — small garrisons with a house, a tower, a dog. There they serve their conscription (1 year) or a contract. Symbols: green beret, tunic (light green stripes), the "Excellent Border Guard" badge. Motto: "The border is locked." Dogs are an important part. They are trained to find drugs, weapons, explosives, and apprehend violators. German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador ... Read more