Independence Day is celebrated in Vitebsk

In Vitebsk, the day's events began with a rally at the Memorial Complex in honor of the liberator soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters, and a procession of the city's work collectives. 

And although the weather forecasters' predictions of heavy rains for Vitebsk on July 3rd in the afternoon were fully justified, it did not hinder the celebration: Vitebsk residents, armed with umbrellas, watched the colorful procession of the regional center's work collectives and took part in numerous events.

Among those hurrying to the celebration was Alexander Rogovsky with his son Yaroslav. He has been working on the railway in Vitebsk for 42 years and participates in the festive rally every year on July 3rd. "It has become a tradition for me. I want to pass it on to my son," says Alexander, emphasizing that Independence Day is a young holiday, and therefore, young people should appreciate it and feel it more deeply. "The country's future depends on our children. It is important to teach them to value the main thing – the freedom and independence of our state. And this holiday evokes exactly such feelings," adds the interlocutor.

It is impossible to pass by the Demidov family and not stop: parents and their little one, having chosen a good vantage point, enjoyed the festive atmosphere reigning around. Marina and Demid, along with their son Arseniy, came to support their friends and colleagues participating in the procession from RUP "Vitebskenergo". And if Independence Day evokes patriotic feelings in Marina, for her husband, it is also a great opportunity to simply spend the day with his family.

Veterans consider it their duty, an honorable obligation, to celebrate Independence Day in a solemn atmosphere at the memorial on Victory Square.

The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, addressing the rally participants, stated: "Belarusians must preserve the cohesion of society."

According to Nikolai Sherstnev, every nation has fateful days and events in its history. They become the starting point of a new stage in history, evoking spiritual uplift and unity of citizens. In the Belarusian calendar, July 3, 1944, became such a date. "The people's aspiration to be independent is the core that gives strength and strengthens our

nation. Years of military trials have instilled in people a sense of duty, responsibility for peace and order. We must preserve the cohesion of society and the security of our country, by all means prevent any manifestations of terrorism, extremism and violence, because today it is especially acutely felt how much incredible effort it takes to maintain security, maintain balance and stability within the country," emphasized the chairman of the regional executive committee. In his opinion, peace-loving Belarus has only one path: to fill society with creative energy and remember the lessons of history. And it teaches that it is not enough to gain sovereignty - one must be able to protect and preserve it.

Nikolai Sherstnev focused on the greatest trials that befell the Belarusians during the Great Patriotic War. "A colossal price was demanded from our grandfathers and great-grandfathers to defend freedom and sovereignty.

The heroic chronicle immortalizes the names of all who heroically fought for the liberation of their native land. Forever in the memory of descendants will remain the names of Pyotr Masherov, Minay Shmyrev, Lev Dovator, Konstantin Zaslonov, Alexei Danukalov, Vera K, Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko. The memory of those who gave us freedom and independence lives in our hearts," emphasized the head of the region.

"If on Victory Day we mourn more, remembering the years of military hardship, fallen friends and relatives, then we meet Independence Day with bright feelings, rejoicing at what our Belarus has become, what talented youth we have, how much has been done. This joy and pride for my country cannot be expressed in words!" shares the emotions of a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, Lilia Amosenko. Listening to the speech of the chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, she noted: "He speaks the right words!".