Alexander Subbotin: "The Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists once again proves how important and difficult it is to preserve peace and unity in society"
Every year on February 15, residents of the agro-town gather at the memorial complex. Here, memorial signs are erected in honor of the defenders of the Fatherland during the Great Patriotic War and soldiers who fulfilled their international duty. This is symbolic. These two seemingly different wars demonstrated the resilience, heroism, and patriotism of our grandfathers, fathers, brothers, and peers. On the marble slab at the foot of a combat vehicle, the following lines are engraved: "To Soldiers-Internationalists for inexhaustible devotion to duty, traditions of older generations, unwavering will to victory, valor, and courage."
– We observe February 15 as a Day of Remembrance, unity, sorrow for the fallen, and pride that the international duty was fulfilled with dignity. The war in Afghanistan has left an unhealed scar on our hearts. But at the same time, it showed that our generation is worthy of the memory of our grandfathers. This day once again proves how important and difficult it is to preserve peace and unity in society, – emphasized Alexander Subbotin, speaking at the rally.
Vladimir Motin, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Public Association "Belarusian Union of Veterans of the War in Afghanistan," noted that time does not have power over memory. To the sorrowful list of those who did not return home, who gave their lives fulfilling their international duty, veterans who died from wounds and hardships have now been added. Their average age is 49 years.
– For us, February 15th is not a holiday, but a landmark event when the last soldier left Afghan soil, and the war ended. This is a significant day that everyone was waiting for. Today we remember our fallen comrades, those who died, those who passed away in the post-war years, and those who are still alive. It is important that the younger generation participates in the commemorative events, as they must understand what duty, love for the Motherland, and service to their country mean, – said Vladimir Motin.
After the rally concluded, a motor rally to Богушевск, Сенненский district, began. Its participants laid flowers at the memorial sign in honor of the Afghan war veterans, which was opened last year. Then, the memory motorcade returned to the agro-town of Октябрьская, where a meeting of representatives from three districts took place: Витебский, Сенненский, and Лиозненский. A documentary film was shown at the local House of Culture, and a concert dedicated to the memorable date was also held.