The patriotic forum 'Living Memory of Generations' was held in Vitebsk
Over 90 people took part in the patriotic forum "Living Memory of Generations," organized by the Vitebsk Regional Trade Union Association and held at the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade.
The forum, dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists, brought together representatives of the authorities, veterans of the Afghan War, heads of industry trade union organizations, and members of youth councils. They discussed the role of the 103rd Airborne Brigade in the system of civil-patriotic education, the preservation of traditions and memory of the Afghan movement, and the continuity of generations as the foundation of the future.
Welcoming the forum participants, the President's Aide – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region, Vladimir Yurgevich, emphasized that only a true patriot can raise true patriots. Therefore, meetings between Afghan war veterans and young people are very important; they can talk about what war is and what should never be allowed to happen again. As the head of state says, it is better to fight on the fields, in factories, and perform heroic deeds only in peacetime.
The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Dmitry Demidov, noted that the servicemen of the renowned unit were the first to enter Afghanistan and the last to leave, having honorably and with dignity fulfilled their duty. Afghan war veterans face the task of conveying the truth to new generations and educating them in the spirit of courage, selflessness, and bravery.
According to the Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Trade Union Association, Elena Nefedova, the forum is aimed at strengthening intergenerational ties, preserving historical memory, and intensifying the patriotic education of youth. There are over 500 soldiers-internationalists within the trade unions. They participate in various patriotic events, dialogue platforms, and share their life experiences.
Senior officer of the ideological work department of the 103rd Airborne Brigade, Guards Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Balanescu, reported that Vitebsk paratroopers carried out tasks to fulfill their international duty in Afghanistan in Kabul and Bagram, more than 11,000 servicemen were awarded orders and medals, and eight people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Almost every week, excursions are held at the unit for students of educational institutions – about 3,000 people visit the paratroopers annually.
According to the chairman of the regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Veterans of the War in Afghanistan, Valerian Matskevich, 5.9 thousand residents of the Vitebsk region fulfilled their international duty, and 160 of our countrymen died. Internationalist soldiers actively participate in military-patriotic education and note that an interesting young generation is growing up in our country.