On the eve of Independence Day, 120 employees of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Department of Internal Affairs were awarded on Victory Square in Vitebsk.

The solemn ceremony was attended by Oleg Matskevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Major General Sergei Khomenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Belarus, and Colonel of Militia Andrei Lyubimov, Head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Regional Executive Committee. The militiamen were awarded medals "For Excellent Service in Protecting Public Order".

— On behalf of the country's leadership and the ministry, I thank you for your selfless service and actions that have allowed us to live under a peaceful sky, — said Sergei Khomenko. — 80 years ago, a global evil – Nazism – came to Belarusian land. Our grandfathers and great-grandfathers defeated the enemy at the cost of their own lives. Last year, you proved that you are successors to the glorious traditions of your ancestors, standing in the way of external forces that tried to split society and illegally change the constitutional order in our state. You saved not only the Fatherland from grief and suffering, but also your relatives and loved ones, their future. With your help, it became clear to everyone: what Belarusians have, they will not give to anyone.

— I congratulate you on receiving high state awards, — said Oleg Matskevich. — In 2020, you found yourselves on the front lines, withstood with honor, and did not allow the situation in Belarus to be reversed. Your loyalty to the oath and high professional training helped to maintain peace and public order in the country.

Photos by Dmitry OSIPOV.