How Vitebsk celebrated the Day of State Symbols of Belarus

The celebration began with a spectacular moment: a festive procession carried a 100-meter state banner along Stroiteley Avenue.

Our flag, emblem, and anthem are not just attributes. They are a memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War who steadfastly defended the borders, and a sign of gratitude to our contemporaries who are preserving peace on their native land today.

The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Dmitry Demidov, congratulated the residents of Vitebsk with words that sounded like an exhortation:

– On the second Sunday of May, our entire country honors the symbols of our Fatherland. Their semantic content is the traditional values of our people: diligence, mercy, friendliness, hospitality, generosity of spirit, and readiness to help those in need.

He emphasized that our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers have entrusted us to preserve peace on Belarusian land and to multiply the glorious traditions of our ancestors.

– Only in unity can we successfully respond to the challenges of our time, effectively develop the economy, strengthen and protect state symbols, our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Belarus, – said the head of the regional parliamentary corps.

It is especially significant, according to Dmitry Demidov, to realize that our emblem, flag, and anthem have been chosen by the people.

– No one has the right to impose ideals alien to our understanding on Belarusians, – he said, reminding that the symbols approved in independent Belarus embody the citizens' aspiration to preserve unity, diligence, and spiritual wealth, and their highest goal is to create for the benefit of their native country, to live in peace and harmony.

– We will always be proud to see the developing state flag of sovereign Belarus. We will be filled with love for our native country when the national anthem is performed. And with special awe, we will tell our children about each element of the state emblem. It is with respect for state symbols, reverence for the spiritual values of the people and the country's cultural heritage that love for the Motherland begins, along with an understanding of belonging to its destiny and responsibility for the future, – emphasized Dmitry Demidov.

"VITEBSKIE VESTI"