The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee met with veterans of the Great Patriotic War

At the front entrance of the "Belaya Rus" cafe, former front-line soldiers, partisans, and home front workers were solemnly welcomed by servicemen of the 103rd Separate Mobile Brigade. The honored guests were also greeted by members of the BRSM, who, as part of the republican patriotic project "Flowers of the Great Victory," adorned their already festive jackets, decorated with orders and medals, with the traditional boutonniere featuring an apple blossom. The elderly guests were deeply moved to tears by the warm reception and attention shown to them.

 

Unfortunately, due to health reasons, only a few veterans were able to attend the meeting. While examining the stands with photographs of their fellow soldiers, those present remembered them with kind words, asking each other about the whereabouts of this or that person – the annual meetings before Victory Day had brought them closer and fostered a sense of kinship. Among those who were notсломили года, participant of the Great Patriotic War, who reached Koenigsberg, Petr Iosifovich Belyakov. He served as an artilleryman.

– I miraculously survived. Once our crew was destroyed, two died on the spot. And out of the whole brigade, about a hundred lost their lives. I was only hit by a fragment. Now, when I visit Victory Square, I look at the exhibition of military equipment with interest. It's a pity there is no 152-millimeter artillery, which I am familiar with – I was a gunner for a while. We would have had something to talk about with it! – he says with a sparkle in his eyes.

However, all the veterans held up steadfastly – it seemed that this meeting and friendly conversation gave them strength.

Nikolai Ignatievich Zharikov is also in service. From 1943 to 1950, he was in the active army, then graduated from medical school, worked as the chief sanitary doctor in Liozno, held the post of chief epidemiologist of the healthcare department of the regional executive committee, and worked as a doctor at the regional sanitary and epidemiological station. And today his name is well-known. It so happened that Nikolai Ignatievich came to the meeting the day before his 90th birthday. In honor of the significant date and in gratitude for his labor achievements, the chairman of the regional executive committee Nikolai Sherstnev presented him with a certificate and flowers.

Among the invited guests were many women. Anna Kirillovna Sirotko, a native of Shumilino, joined Korotkin's partisan brigade, which operated in the Ushachi district, as a 15-year-old girl. Remembering how the news of victory arrived, the woman still cries. She had to spend the night at a friend's house then.

– We went to bed with anxious thoughts, as usual, – she says. – And suddenly we heard music in the street, went out, and people were dancing there. We were all waiting for victory!

During the war, Nina Germanovna Grunina and her family were evacuated to Udmurtia, where she worked in agriculture. As a home front worker, she has nine medals and also sacredly honors Victory Day.

Nikolai Sherstnev addressed the veterans of the Great Patriotic War sitting at the tables while standing:

– Such meetings are of great importance. It is very pleasant to see you. Thank you for the fact that for 71 years we have been living under a peaceful sky, from us, the children of the war generation, our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You are living legends, a symbol of resilience and courage, your example is exemplary for everyone. Unfortunately, there are few of you left, but we promise to continue to provide you with support

provide all possible assistance and preserve peace on earth.

Tatyana Serebryakova, photo by Anton STEPANISHCHEV, "Vitebskiye vesti".