Aviation and Romanian Air Force Day: Honoring the heroes of the air under the protection of Saint Iliatranslated

Romania celebrates annually, on July 20, the Day of Aviation and the Romanian Air Force, a holiday dedicated to military and civilian aviators, as well as to all those who linked their destiny to flight.

The date coincides with the feast of the Holy Prophet Ilie Tesviteanul, the protector of Romanian aviators.

History of the establishment and marking of the day The connection between Romanian Aviation and the Holy Prophet Elijah dates back to 1913, with the adoption of the first Law on the organization of military aeronautics. At that time, Aviation was part of the special battalion of the Genius, whose spiritual patron was Saint Elias. When aviation became an independent weapon in 1915, it retained the same protector.

Aviation Day under the patronage of St. Elijah was officially established in 1931, by royal decree. During the atheistic communism, Aviation Day was celebrated on June 17, the date when, in 1910, Aurel Vlaicu made the first flight with an aircraft built on Romanian territory.

The official return to the celebration of St. Elias Aviation Day was made in two stages.

In 1994 - by order of the Ministry of National Defense, July 20 became Aviation Day again, although it continued to be...