The 62nd meeting of representatives of Russia, Latvia and Belarus was held at the Mound of Friendship
For the second year in a row, due to the epidemiological situation, meetings at the junction of the three borders have become shorter, but remain no less heartfelt. As last year, delegations and guests from the three states did not cross their borders, but all the traditions of the commemorative meeting were observed.
The mound was erected at the junction of the borders of Russia, Latvia, and Belarus in 1959 in memory of the combat brotherhood of partisans and underground fighters. Since then, every year on the first Sunday of July, people who cherish the memory of their ancestors and honor traditions gather there. Many visit the Mound of Friendship on the commemorative date for several years in a row; for example, Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, has attended the meeting of the three states for the 25th time.
– Today, visiting the Mound has become a jubilee for me, and I will continue to follow this tradition, – he noted. – Such meetings prove that the friendship and mutual understanding of peoples are much stronger than the pandemic and the prejudiced views of the European community. As recent events have shown, the Russian Federation is a reliable friend and ally for us, always ready to lend a shoulder. It is important that there are also people on the Latvian side who remember our common struggle against fascism, honor their ancestors, and pass on traditions through generations.
Dmitry Mezentsev, State Secretary of the Union State, also noted that Russia and Belarus share common values.
– Very recently, on May 9, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko spoke about the unwavering state position in defense of historical truth, and on the same day, President of Russia Vladimir Putin spoke from the rostrum on Red Square before 14,000 servicemen about the feat of their fathers and respect for veterans. Thus, the two national leaders of the two states that form the Union State today hold a unified position, – he said.
After each party addressed the attendees, the delegations of Belarus and Russia, following tradition, exchanged wreaths, which were laid at the monument to the partisan scout Maria Pyntho on Russian territory and at the monument to the hero-Komsomol members of the village of Proshki in Belarus.
And although most of the partisans who fought on these lands are no longer alive, they were invisibly present in the form of portraits placed in the participating countries, and also told about their heroic deeds through their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"My great-grandfather Alexander Konovalchenko joined the partisans, fought in the Verkhnedvinsk district, and was wounded three times. I am very proud of him and grateful to him for the fact that we live under a peaceful sky," said ten-year-old Kirill Konovalchenko.
The solemn meeting concluded with the traditional bonfire of friendship, the flame of which was passed from Russian territory to Belarus, and a choral performance of military songs.
