Rescuer Day, celebrated in Ukraine annually on September 17, is a professional holiday for all employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, established by Decree of the President of the country — 830/2008 of September 12, 2008.
As stated in the document, the holiday is established taking into account the significant contribution of emergency rescue workers, fire departments and other special forces, as well as citizens in eliminating the consequences of man-made and natural emergencies, protecting the life and health of people«.
Ukrainian rescuers celebrate their professional holiday on September 17 — on the day the Orthodox Church celebrates the Icon of the Mother of God, called « Burning Bush», which is considered the patroness of firefighters and rescuers.
We also note that Decree № 830/2008 abolished another holiday — Civil Protection Worker's Day, which was celebrated on August 27 and was established in 2004 by Decree № 1010/2004.
By the way, Ukrainian fire department employees also celebrate their holiday on April 17.