Medal and tears of memory. In Vitebsk, a 90-year-old former concentration camp prisoner was honored
– We congratulate you on the upcoming bright holiday, Victory Day! You had to endure a lot during the war and work for the good of the Motherland after its end. Thank you for this, we wish you good health and peace! – addressed the head of the administration of the Pervomaysky district of Vitebsk, Yevgeny Semyonchev, to Maria Vasilievna, presenting her with financial assistance and the anniversary medal "80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War."
On this day, the former inmate of Nazi concentration camps also received gifts and congratulations from representatives of public associations and pioneers from educational institutions of the Pervomaysky district of Vitebsk.
– It is pleasant that you do not forget me. The main thing is peace and the health of loved ones, I know this because I have seen a lot in my life, – Maria Belyaeva addressed the guests. – When the war began, I was 6 years old. Of the seven children, I was the eldest, so I helped take care of the younger ones. I was also a nanny to my mother's sister, helping my aunt sit with her young son in another village. It so happened that we were driven to Germany, and I was separated from my mother for several years.
After returning to her native village of Tsálovichi, Surazhsky district, Vitebsk region, in 1945, Masha started school. After finishing 7 grades, she began working as a milk receiver in the village of Dubrovo. After getting married in 1957, she moved to Vitebsk, where she worked as a dressmaker at JSC "Classics of Fashion Industry" for 33 years. For her long-term work, she was awarded the title of "Veteran of Labor."
Together with her husband, Maria Vasilievna raised three children, who, unfortunately, are no longer alive, but the former prisoner is visited by her grandchildren, she has three of them. Maria Vasilievna is expecting her granddaughter, who is currently studying in Minsk, to visit on May 9th. Social worker Elena Vasilchuk also does not leave her without attention – she helps around the house and treats the former prisoner with warmth and care.
– Maria Vasilievna is very kind, she remembers a lot, despite her age. She doesn't like to talk about the war; as soon as she remembers it, tears well up in her eyes, – said Elena Vasilchuk.