The 103rd Vitebsk Guards Air Assault Brigade celebrates its 80th anniversary
At the ceremonial rally, the Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces, Major General **Vadim Denisenko**, read out a congratulatory address from the President of Belarus **Alexander Lukashenko**: "The combat path of the unit began on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War near Lake Balaton; the participation of the guards paratroopers in the Afghan war also became a heroic page, eight of whom were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, including the Belarusian Nikolai Chepik, who sacrificed himself to save his comrades. In our time, the soldiers of the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade have repeatedly demonstrated high combat readiness, resilience, and courage during numerous exercises, as well as when resolving a crisis situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan as part of the CSTO military contingent. The brigade is rightfully considered one of the most combat-ready in the Republic of Belarus, and service in it is particularly honorable. I am convinced that Belarusian paratroopers will continue to be a model of honor, loyalty, and courage in the noble cause of serving the Fatherland."
Vadim Denisenko noted that the brigade's personnel are worthily continuing the combat traditions and showing excellent results, and assured the veterans that the unit would move forward, master new types of equipment, and again demonstrate its professionalism and ability to complete all tasks in the next academic year.
Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Dmitry Demidov emphasized that the brigade is the pride of Vitebsk region and an integral part of ensuring the security of our state, protecting its sovereignty. It is gratifying that the veterans of the unit hold an active civic position, participate in public associations, and thereby strengthen unity and harmony in our country. Dmitry Demidov expressed confidence that the current generation of Vitebsk paratroopers will also honorably and with dignity preserve and multiply the glorious traditions.
To the accompaniment of the military orchestra, the brigade personnel performed the unit's anthem.
Exhibitions of weapons and military equipment were presented, and demonstration performances with elements of hand-to-hand combat were organized. Those who wished could taste soldier's porridge.
Wreaths and flowers were laid at the monument to the internationalist soldiers "Pain".
A festive concert was held at the regional philharmonic hall.