Large-scale events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Airborne Forces will be held in Vitebsk and Brest

July 29, Minsk /BELTA/. Large-scale festive events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Airborne Forces will be held in Vitebsk and Brest on August 1 and 2. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the press service of the Ministry of Defense. By tradition, Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated in Belarus, as well as in other former Soviet republics, on August 2. In 2010, this day also marks the 80th anniversary of the Airborne Forces, which are now called the Special Operations Forces in Belarus. Especially large-scale celebrations will be held in Vitebsk and Brest. In addition, festive events will take place in Maryina Gorka, Novopolotsk, and the village of Borovukha (Vitebsk region). Paratrooper veterans, servicemen of the Armed Forces of Belarus, their family members, as well as local residents and foreign guests will be invited to the celebration. The program includes open days at the Special Operations Forces units. Guests of the formations will see demonstration performances by paratroopers (hand-to-hand combat, sports competitions, drill concert), and will also be able to familiarize themselves with equipment and weapons. Events will also be held outside military units. The celebration of Defender of the Fatherland Day in Vitebsk this year will have city-wide status. On August 1, a ceremonial meeting with the participation of veterans, servicemen of the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade, their family members, and city residents will be held at the Summer Amphitheater, the main venue of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. Before the festivities begin, DOSAAF athletes will parachute onto the area near the amphitheater. In Brest, servicemen of the 38th Guards Separate Mobile Brigade will march through the city streets on August 2. Brest residents will see performances by paratroopers, a water obstacle crossing, a festive concert, and much more. -0-