Azerbaijani Armed Forces Day is observed in the Republic of Azerbaijan every June 26, commemorating the establishment of the country's military in 1918. The holiday marks the formation of the armed forces just a month after the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic declared independence on May 28, 1918. Initially, the Azerbaijani Army faced challenges, including an invasion by the Red Army in 1920, which led to the dissolution of the national army. The armed forces were reestablished in early 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and in 1998, the day was officially declared a non-working holiday. Celebrations typically include solemn speeches and military parades, showcasing the three branches of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces: the Land Forces, the Air and Air Defense Force, and the Navy, along with associated forces like the State Border Service and the National Guard.