Defender of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of Belarus was celebrated in Vitebsk
This holiday is sacred for every patriot of Belarus. Our grandfathers and great-grandfathers repeatedly took up arms, defending their native land from enemies. The army and the people, united, defended the freedom of the Fatherland and, despite losses and hardships, always emerged with dignity from difficult situations, achieving success in battles and in the restoration of the national economy after devastating military campaigns.
A special page in history is the Great Patriotic War. The feat of Soviet soldiers, partisans, underground fighters, and home front workers will forever remain in the memory of descendants as an example of unprecedented resilience and courage. Our region was forever glorified by its sons, such as Pyotr Masherov, Alexander Gorovets, Minay Shmyrev, and Lev Dovator. In total, during the years of the Great Patriotic War, about 130 natives of Vitebsk region were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Today, servicemen, remaining true to the traditions of previous generations, are capable of repelling an aggressor if necessary.
Events dedicated to the holiday took place in all districts of the region. Representatives of the authorities and the public visited memorial sites, and festive concerts were organized in houses of culture and educational institutions. In Vitebsk, the leadership of the regional executive committee and the administrations of the city districts, delegates from labor collectives, public organizations, and youth gathered on Victory Square. A ceremony of laying wreaths and flowers took place at the monument to Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters.
— We pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, thanks to whom we live in a peaceful and free country today. We also express our gratitude to the current servicemen, — said the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev. — Now the concept of the Fatherland defender has become broader. It is not only men in uniform, but also everyone who works in enterprises and organizations for the benefit of the motherland.
Salutes were fired in honor of the fallen soldiers.
In addition, a motor rally with the participation of representatives of public organizations took place in the regional center. Dozens of cars drove from the mass grave of Soviet soldiers at the Luchos cemetery and military burials on Uspenskaya Gorka and Titov Street to Victory Square.