Independence Day took place in Vitebsk (+photo report)

On July 3, the Vitebsk region joined the nationwide marathon of solemn events dedicated to Independence Day.

Thousands of residents of the northern region came out to celebrate a quarter of a century of sovereignty of their native Belarus. By tradition, Victory Square in Vitebsk became the center of events dedicated to the main state holiday. Most Vitebsk residents and guests of the city gathered here to congratulate each other on Independence Day, as well as to pay tribute to the feat of the liberator soldiers.

The laying of wreaths and flowers at the memorial complex in honor of Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters by the leadership of the region and the city, representatives of public organizations and enterprises officially marked the start of the Republic Day celebrations in the Vitebsk region.

– The independence of the Republic of Belarus is based on the merits of the generation of victors. The feat of the people who revived the country from the ashes is immortal. Our peace-loving state pays tribute to all fighters for the freedom and independence of the Belarusian nation, – said the Chairman of the regional executive committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, opening the solemn rally.

– We must always remember that the Great Victory was achieved through incredible exertion, the lives of soldiers and partisans. We must not forget those who fell on the battlefield, those tortured in fascist dungeons and concentration camps, those who went missing, and veterans who died in the post-war years. The main lesson of our history is that any, even the greatest misfortune, can only be overcome together, united. In the face of difficulties, the people unite, people do not lose heart, and then all obstacles

"they are surmountable, all goals are achievable," noted Nikolai Nikolaevich.

A vivid example of how the modern generation honors the merits of the heroes who won the independence of Belarus, and also lays a solid foundation for the future and further development and prosperity of the country, are its labor, sports, and cultural achievements.

That is why the main event of the Republic Day celebration is the parade of collectives of leading enterprises and organizations of the northern region, representatives of healthcare, education, and culture institutions, athletes, public organizations, youth, and schoolchildren.

Veterans of the Great Patriotic War watch with pleasure and undisguised joy this procession, during which its participants released hundreds of balloons into the peaceful sky. 

"Looking at this, you understand that we fought not in vain, not for the sake of an abstract bright future, but for our children and grandchildren. They live in a way we could not even imagine. On the greatest state holiday – Independence Day – I wish our citizens health and peace," said veteran Ivan Egorovich Spiridonov.

Front-line soldier Vladimir Anisimovich Makhan'kov joined his wishes, noting that the development and prosperity of Belarus would have been impossible without the contribution of the current President Alexander Lukashenko, as well as

such prominent political figures of the past as Kirill Muzurov and Petr Masherov.

Wreaths and flowers were laid at the bust of Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labor Petr Mironovich as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

The festive day concluded with the traditional nationwide campaign "Let's Sing the Anthem Together!". Heavy rain and thunderstorms ended an hour before it began. Thousands of Vitebsk residents and guests of the city gathered on Victory Square to once again declare that "We, Belarusians, are peaceful people!", after which a bright fireworks display adorned the sky over Vitebsk. 

Natalia Kamlyova. Photos by Dmitry Osipov. "Vitebskiye Vesti".