May 9th is forever inscribed in the heroic chronicle of the Motherland as a symbol of courage – Nikolay Sherstnev
May 9 is forever inscribed in the heroic chronicle of the Motherland as a symbol of courage. This was stated today in Vitebsk at a ceremonial rally dedicated to Victory Day by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev.
"Today we celebrate a significant and solemn day, which has become one of the greatest and most sacred holidays of our Fatherland - Victory Day. This date is forever inscribed in the heroic chronicle of our Motherland as a symbol of courage, resilience, greatness, and the triumph of the Soviet soldier who liberated the world from Hitler's Nazism. And no matter how many years pass, the unparalleled feat of soldiers, partisans, underground fighters, home front workers, everyone who fought bravely and steadfastly for the freedom and independence of our state, will never be forgotten," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev.
The head of the region focused on the fact that natives of Vitebsk region made a significant contribution to the Victory over fascism. More than 120 thousand of its sons and daughters fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War, over 100 thousand people were in 60 partisan detachments and formations, in self-defense groups and militias, and in the party-Komsomol underground. The feats of 127 countrymen were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The defeat of Nazism is a great celebration of liberation from tragedy, death, and destruction, a day of triumph for the people who crushed the treacherous and cruel enemy and put an end to the bloodiest war, Nikolai Sherstnev is convinced.
"We bow to everyone who stood for every street, every house, every frontier of the Fatherland, who died in fierce battles, was tortured in concentration camps, captivity, and occupation," he said.
Veterans of the Great Patriotic War are the main heroes of this great day. For in the post-war years, thanks to them, factories and plants were revived in a short time, agricultural cooperatives were organized, enterprises were built, hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, theaters, and museums, and sports facilities were constructed.
"But life is swift, fleeting, and, unfortunately, with each passing year, there are fewer and fewer living witnesses of those terrible days among us," noted the governor.
Today, 1,184 people live in the region.
of the Great Patriotic War. With deep gratitude, the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure they live in peace and prosperity. "Your deep, selfless attitude to life is soul-stirring. Faith in your country, love for the Fatherland are the main values. They unite and are our spiritual core, a cementing moral support," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev, wishing the veterans to remain active and engaged.Today, at the Eternal Flame of the memorial complex in honor of Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region on Victory Square, their memory was honored with a minute of silence.
The solemn laying of flowers and wreaths opened the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the Great Victory in Vitebsk, after which a rally, a march of military units and representatives of law enforcement agencies took place. Songs of a military theme were performed, and the youth demonstrated their skills in dancing and, to the sounds of the composition "Cranes," released balloons into the sky with paper cranes attached, bearing the names of the heroes-liberators of Vitebsk region.
On and around Victory Square throughout the day, residents and guests of Vitebsk can expect a festive kaleidoscope of celebrations, which includes a concert on Victory Square, performances by creative groups on the city's concert venues, a demonstration of the uniforms and attire of Red Army soldiers and officers of the war years, performances by brass bands, sports competitions, thematic exhibitions, and various patriotic events. The final event of the day will be a festive fireworks display, which will take place on Victory Square at 23:00.