A public garden and a memorial stele «Orsha – City of Labor Glory 1941 – 1945» were opened in Orsha.
Today in Orsha, at the intersection of Sergey Gritsevets and Konstantin Zaslonov streets, a public garden and the memorial stele "Orsha – City of Labor Glory 1941–1945" were solemnly opened with the participation of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin and the Aide to the President – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Vladimir Yurgevich.
This honorary title was awarded to the city on the Dnieper for its contribution to ensuring victory over fascism. By the President's decree, a memorial stele has been erected here.
– This monument, towering above us, is a tangible embodiment of our deepest gratitude and boundless respect for the feats, both labor and combat, accomplished by the residents of Orsha region during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War, – emphasized the head of the region during the solemn opening ceremony.
In the history of the Great Patriotic War, Orsha is the site of the first volleys of the legendary "Katyusha". A powerful underground and partisan movement was active here. After liberation, the city quickly mobilized, and during 1944-1945, it restored the operation of enterprises, orienting them towards the needs of the front and Victory.
The preparation of the territory, approximately 0.42 hectares in area, for the public garden began in the summer of this year. The main element is the majestic stele "Orsha – City of Labor Glory. 1941–1945" with a height of 9 meters on a circular podium. Communications have been laid for its lighting. In front of the stele is a triangular square, and from different corners of the public garden, four wide paths converge towards the stele like rays; the installation of decorative retaining walls along them has been completed. Flowerbeds have been formed on an elevated area.
It is noteworthy that a large scope of work was accomplished thanks to the funds from the republican субботник (volunteer work day), a portion of which Vitebsk region allocated for the construction of the stele.
The public garden will become a starting point for the construction of an entirely new microdistrict in Orsha, which will house about 4,000 people.