Memorial signs to internationalist soldiers will be installed in 2013 in Beshenkovichi, Dubrovno and Senno

Memorial signs in memory of the feat of internationalist soldiers are planned to be installed in 2013 in Beshenkovichi, Dubrovno, and Senno, as reported to a BELTA correspondent by the ideological work department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

The opening of memorial signs is of great importance for all residents of the region, as numerous patriotic events are subsequently held in these places, the department emphasized, noting that this work is carried out with the active participation of local authorities and significant public support.

In addition, this year, the region plans to install a bust of Hero of the Soviet Union, Senior Lieutenant Vladimir Zadorozhny, who covered a Dushman grenade with his body at the command post, saving his subordinates at the cost of his own life.

Regarding the work done last year, the Regional Executive Committee reported that in 2012, memorial signs to internationalist soldiers were opened in Verkhnedvinsk, Dokshitsy, and a number of other district centers. Combat veterans actively participated in the public life of the region and patriotic meetings with youth.

Today, a requiem rally dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of Internationalist Soldiers took place in Vitebsk at the "Pain" monument. Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets, relatives of the deceased internationalist soldiers, representatives of local authorities, public organizations, as well as youth from the regional center laid flowers and wreaths at the monument. All present honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence.

Currently, 5,000 internationalist soldiers, participants of local wars and conflicts, live in the Vitebsk region, of whom 1949 are members of the Belarusian Union of Afghan War Veterans. 47 mothers and 30 widows of fallen soldiers cherish the bright memory of their sons and husbands. About 600 participants of the battles died in peacetime, after the withdrawal of troops from the hot spot. Dozens became disabled during the fighting.

On the eve of the Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists and the 24th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, city and district executive committees adopted decisions on providing one-time financial assistance to families of combat veterans in other countries who died while performing their international duty, families of combat veterans in other countries who died while performing their official duties, and combat veterans in other countries who became disabled. The lists include 117 people, most of whom are mothers and widows of the deceased. All working former soldiers-internationalists will receive financial assistance at their place of employment.