45 crews took part in the motor rally to "Proriv" in the Ushachy district
Before the start of the motor rally on the central square of Ushachi, where a combined column was formed, there were demonstration performances by motocross riders (the youngest, Denis Gorovets, is only 4 years old) from Orsha and Vitebsk, and kart racers from Novopolotsk. Their masterful handling of the equipment delighted the spectators. No less spectacularly, scouts from the 19th Guards Mechanized Brigade demonstrated their skills. On this day, an exhibition by artist Vladimir Krivoblottsky, the author of the monumental composition "In the Name of Life on Earth," opened at the Museum of National Glory named after Hero of the Soviet Union Vladimir Lobanok. His works also adorn the National Library, the Opera and Ballet Theater, the Palace of Independence, and the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk.
More than two thousand people participated in the rally at the "Proryv" (Breakthrough) memorial complex.
Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, recalled that on May 5, 1944, near the villages of Novoye Selo and Paperino, partisans broke through the deadly blockade ring and led 15,000 civilians out with them. For 25 days, detachments and brigades repelled attacks from the occupiers, who had a significant numerical superiority. A 60,000-strong group opposed the partisans: 6 Wehrmacht divisions, 12 SS and police regiments. Despite this, the people's avengers held their ground and accomplished their legendary feat.
The "Proryv" memorial complex was opened in 1974. In 2016, by decision of the regional authorities, a reconstruction was carried out on one of the most significant works of monumental art in the country. The renovated "Proryv" serves as a bell of remembrance for the heroic feat of the victors and a unique school for the education of young citizens of Belarus.
Chairman of the Ushachi District Executive Committee Viktor Rodich emphasized that during the war years, the Polotsk-Lepel partisan zone was the largest in Belarus. Under the protection of the people's avengers, 1,220 settlements were located, where almost 74,000 civilians lived and worked.
In the partisan region with its capital in the urban settlement of Ushachi (liberated from the invaders in September 1942), enterprises and power stations operated, and children attended schools. The Nazis repeatedly tried to break the resistance, but the defenders достойно (worthily) held back the enemy's onslaught.
The participants of the rally were congratulated on the memorable date by the Commander of the North-Western Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Belarus, Major General Alexander Volfovich, and the Chairman of the Central Council of DOSAAF, Major General Ivan Dyrman.
After laying wreaths and flowers at the monument, a spectacular reconstruction of the partisans' breakthrough of the enemy blockade took place. Then, everyone who wished could taste soldier's porridge, and employees of OJSC "Lepelsky MKK" treated children to ice cream. Parachutists from the Vitebsk aeroclub greeted the participants of the celebrations from the sky. The memorable event concluded with a concert and fireworks.
Sergey Lyashuk. Photos by Anton STEPANISHCHEV. "Vitebskiye Vesti".