I'm passionate about honoring the heroes who have done incredible things to secure world peace. I strongly believe Stanislav Petrov is one such hero who deserves a more prominent recognition. Petrov's actions on September 26, 1983, are worthy of this recognition. He, being an officer of the Soviet Air Defense Forces, made a monumental decision that stopped potential nuclear war. Due to a system malfunction, Petrov was falsely alerted to an incoming US missile strike. Under significant pressure and urgency, he determined it as a false alarm, averting a possible nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Given the significance of his contribution, it is proposed that September 26 be recognized globally as International Stanislav Petrov Day—a day to celebrate his often-overlooked heroism. This day could also serve as a focal point for awareness and action on nuclear proliferation and disarmament.

The importance of this issue cannot be overstated. According to the Federation of American Scientists, there are still around 13,865 nuclear warheads in the world as of early 2019—a stark reminder that the risk of nuclear conflict still exists.

Stanislav Petrov's legacy of peace and decision-making under pressure should be remembered and celebrated. By recognizing September 26 as his day, we can ensure this hero's name becomes a household name; a symbol for peace, diplomacy, and disarmament. Please sign this petition to help create International Stanislav Petrov Day and to promote a future free of nuclear conflicts.