In Vitebsk, more than two thousand people honored the memory of those who died in Afghanistan
Over two thousand people took part in a solemn rally dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists and the 37th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan.
Veterans of the Afghan War, representatives of government bodies, work collectives, and public organizations gathered at the "Pain" monument in Vitebsk. The idea that February 15th reminds us of heroism, sacrifices, and the importance of peace, which we must cherish, ran like a red thread through the speakers' words.
Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, noted that over 30,000 Belarusians passed through the mountain passes and scorching sands of Afghanistan. They honorably fulfilled their duty, defending the southern borders of the Soviet Union, showing courage and selflessness. We honor the feats of the brave paratroopers of the 103rd Vitebsk Division, the pilots of the 339th Military Transport Aviation Regiment, who had to not only carry out combat missions but also bring back heavy cargo to their homeland. We remember those who began their journey into the sky at the A. Gorovets Vitebsk Aeroclub. The Pridvinye region lost 160 people in that war.
Streets in settlements are named after soldiers-internationalists, and over 50 museum rooms and thematic corners have been created.
Today, over 3,500 soldiers-internationalists, participants of local wars and conflicts, live in the Vitebsk region. Not forgetting the glorious traditions of combat brotherhood, the "Afghan" soldiers hold an active life and civic position, making a significant contribution to the military-patriotic education of youth.
According to the chairman of the regional organization of internationalist soldiers, retired Lieutenant Colonel Valerian Matskevich, more than 2.5 thousand of our countrymen have been awarded orders and medals, and the natives of Polotsk Vasily Shcherbakov and Vitebsk resident Vasily Pimenov have been awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. After 37 years, the "Afghan" soldiers continue to work in industrial enterprises, agriculture, and other fields of activity, making their feasible contribution to the strengthening of Belarus.
The Military Commissar of the Vitebsk Region, Colonel Sergey Kunakhovets, recalled that the 103rd Airborne Division was the first to enter the land of Afghanistan on December 25, 1979, and when the footage of the withdrawal of the Soviet contingent on February 15, 1989, circled the entire world, the soldiers of our glorious unit covered the exit and were the last to leave. The military commissar emphasized that the sad events have sunk into oblivion, but they echo in our hearts and souls with pain and tragic memories.
The rally participants honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence; each was named.