The leadership of the Vitebsk region congratulates the residents of the region on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of our country from the Nazi invaders and on the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus!

Please accept our sincere congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of our country from the Nazi invaders and the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus!

July 3 is a most important date in the history of the formation of the Belarusian state. It is a symbol of the sovereignty and freedom of our Motherland, the heroic past and a dignified future of the Belarusian people.

The Great Patriotic War became a special measure of the strength of spirit and resilience of people. Colossal courage was required to defend freedom and sovereignty. And this is well known in the war-torn but unbroken Vitebsk region, where our countrymen fought bravely, shedding blood on the fronts and in partisan detachments. Every third resident of the north of the country died during the war years.

The lessons of history have repeatedly confirmed: difficult times can only be overcome by joining forces.

The years of military trials have instilled in people a sense of duty, responsibility for peace and order. Only by recognizing and respecting the feats of the older generation, by remembering their heroism, can worthy citizens, true patriots, guardians and defenders of their native land be raised.

Low bow to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War! Glory to those who restored the region and the country from the ruins, who built the road to the future. We are proud of the generation of victors who gave us life and freedom!

On this festive day, we sincerely wish all residents of the Vitebsk region good health, happiness, well-being, and high spirits!

May the sky over our country always be peaceful!

Sincerely,
Alexander SUBBOTIN, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
Dmitry DEMIDOV, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies.