In his address, released by the Kremlin press service, President Vladimir Putin said: "Airborne troops today maintain the excellent traditions of several generations of predecessors, and remain faithful to their duty, their motherland, and their people... I know that you will never let us down, and will fulfill any task put to you efficiently and well. You will securely guard the national and security interests of the state, maintaining peace and stability in your motherland."
The August 2 holiday coincides with the religious festival of Ilya the Prophet, an unofficial patron of airborne troopers.
Apart from traditional gatherings near metro stations and in parks in Moscow, where some 3,000 policemen will provide security, a live video link will connect Red Square and northwest Russia's Pskov, where one of the key airborne divisions is located. Several religious events will also be held in major Russian cities.
