An incredible spirit of unity. What the delegations of the Vitebsk region remembered about the Forum of Patriotic Forces in the capital

A grand Forum of Patriotic Forces, dedicated to National Unity Day and organized by the Headquarters of Patriotic Forces, was held at the capital's Palace of Sports. Delegations from all regions of the country arrived, including 150 people from the Vitebsk region, led by Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee: representatives of government bodies, political parties, public organizations, enterprises from various fields of activity, and youth.

The dialogue focused on the heroic history of our country, its difficult periods, the courage, resilience, and wisdom of the Belarusian people, national traditions, and the genetic code – everything that forms the basis of unity. Simple and honest talk about complex issues.

Prominent politicians, opinion leaders, and public figures acted as speakers. Mikhail Rusy, Honored Worker of Agriculture of the Republic of Belarus and Chairman of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic for Legislation and State Building, recalled the symbolic significance of holding the holiday in the Minsk Palace of Sports. It was here that the delegates of the first All-Belarusian People's Congress in October 1996, "with bated breath and a feeling of deepest hope and confidence," listened to the head of state's keynote address. It was also here that they unanimously supported the new format of the institution of the presidency, under which the President of the country is the head of state, the guarantor of the Constitution and human rights.

As Mikhail Rusy admitted, he was born and raised in a village and dedicated his life to the land and the development of the agro-industrial complex.

An Honest Conversation

Chairperson of the Belarusian Trade Union of Education and Science Workers, Tatyana Yakubovich, called to reflect on the history of their families and the country. She emphasized that thanks to unity, the Belarusian people have overcome all difficulties and challenges, and today we have a strong, prosperous country where everyone works conscientiously for results.

Unity is not born by itself, but is built on trust, honest dialogue, and mutual understanding, noted Olga Chemodanova, Chairperson of the Belarusian Party "Belaya Rus". According to her, in a dynamically changing world, "when there are many challenges and threats around, it is time to unite not by coercion, but by choice." This is the key to the peace of children, stability, and development of all spheres of activity: economy, education, science, culture.

The hall also greeted with enthusiasm Alexandra Nikiforova, a mother of five children, a member of the Belarusian Women's Union, and the organizer of the "Beauty of Belarus" contest. She recalled that it was mothers who had always been the keepers of history, culture, language, and glorious traditions. In difficult times, "at the cradle of a baby, through a mother's song, that which makes us Belarusians was passed down."

Alexandra Nikiforova summarized: the stronger the family, the greater the woman's confidence in the future, the more stable our statehood.

Much was said about how to explain to children the meaning of the holiday we celebrate on September 17, its direct connection with the country's achievements, what underlies Belarusian unity, and the importance of harmony and peace.

Among the speakers were also the First Secretary of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, Alexander Lukyanov, political observer and journalist of the presidential pool, Igor Tour, Chairman of the Board of the Republican State-Public Association "Belarusian Society "Knowledge", Vadim Gigin, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, Member of the House of Representatives, Oleg Gaidukevich, and others.

Loud Chord

The baton of performances was passed from speakers to famous Belarusian artists. Different ensembles took turns on stage, performing folk songs and modern compositions. Melodious gifts to the audience were "presented" by Victoria Aleshko, the vocal-instrumental ensemble "Syabry", Yulia Bykova and Anna Blagova with their sons, and others.

The original performance of the anthem became a bright finale of the forum. The voices of the audience and artists sounded in unison.

"Vitebskiye Vesti"