An example of a leader and a person: a rally dedicated to the 105th anniversary of Masherov's birth was held in Vitebsk

A teacher, underground fighter, leader of the country, and an example of humane attitude towards ordinary people – this is how Pyotr Masherov is remembered by his contemporaries who had the chance to communicate with him personally. "Pyotr Mironovich was striking in appearance – tall, attractive, with a kind, open smile, charismatic. He was a very energetic person, capable of inspiring action and explaining everything clearly. At the same time, even as the country's leader, Masherov was distinguished by his simplicity in communication. I had the opportunity to hear his speech at the 25th Congress of the Leninist Young Communist League, which greatly inspired us at the time. After his speech, we, then young and also full of energy, were eager to fight – for feats in the name of the Motherland," shared Valeryan Matskevich, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the public association "Belarusian Union of War Veterans in Afghanistan".

Pyotr Masherov began his career as a mathematics teacher at a secondary school in Rossony. During the Great Patriotic War, he became one of the organizers and leaders of the anti-fascist underground and partisan movement in Belarus. From November 1943, he was appointed secretary of the underground regional committee of the LKSMB, participated in the development and execution of many combat operations, and demonstrated personal courage. After the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders, Pyotr Masherov held leadership positions in Komsomol and party bodies. In 1965, he became the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus. He was awarded the titles of Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labor, and became a knight of seven Orders of Lenin. Under his leadership, the BSSR achieved economic prosperity and was among the leaders in development among other union republics.

"He is our countryman, another landmark for our nation. Pyotr Masherov led our wonderful country for 15 years, and during this time the foundation for our further development was laid. All global projects originated at that time. Now we are improving them, continuing them. I think this is a good example. And the task for each of us, leaders, is to do something similar so that our descendants thank us in the same way," emphasized the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin.

The rally participants joined the motor rally, which proceeded from the bust of Pyotr Masherov to the Vitebsk State University, named after the outstanding countryman.

BELTA.