Procession of young mothers, generous farmsteads, and flights over the city. Verkhnedvinsk celebrated its 630th anniversary (+photo report)

For each of us, a birthday is an occasion to look back, take stock, recall bright moments and victories, gather together numerous friends and loved ones gifted by fate, and, of course, plan for the future. Such was the anniversary of the city on the banks of the Western Dvina, which traces its history back to 1386.

It approached this important date renewed, improved, with a wealth of achievements and accomplishments. Numerous guests, including those from abroad, were convinced of this during a vibrant festive procession. They were greeted by young mothers with strollers, children presented their creativity, drummers marched in step, and work collectives and public organizations showcased their successes and demonstrated corporate spirit.

In the city park, hospitable courtyards of rural councils and agricultural organizations were set up, along with an exhibition of products from industrial enterprises, a city of masters, and much more.

Among the honored guests of the celebration was the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Andreichenko, who paid attention to the presentation of each enterprise. It was in the Verkhnedvinsk district, at the "Victory of Socialism" collective farm, that Vladimir Pavlovich began his working career after graduating from the Luzhesny state farm-technical school in 1968. He worked as an agronomist and soon went into the army. Years later, he returned to the district, but this time as the first secretary of the district committee of the Communist Party of Belarus, heading the Verkhnedvinsk region for four years. His exceptional leadership qualities, professionalism, and determination ensuredдинамичное развитие региона и заложили прочный фундамент на будущее.

– I was impressed back then by the caring attitude of the local residents towards everything that was happening, their ability to analyze deeply and make the right decisions, – recalled Vladimir Andreichenko, speaking about his years working in Verkhnedvinsk. – On the path to six centuries, one can cite a huge number of examples of diligence, selflessness, and heroism. I see this now as well. It is gratifying that the district is developing harmoniously, having taken a significant step forward during the period of sovereign Belarus. Even in Soviet times, when resources were more readily available, they never achieved the harvest yields that were seen last year. This is the result of tremendous hard work. Verkhnedvinsk is a cozy corner in the north of the Belarusian land, inhabited by very good people.

It is precisely these people, according to the current head of the district, a local native Igor Markovich, who have always been the main asset, the driving force capable of feats. Just think: the Great Patriotic War claimed the lives of over 20,000 residents of Verkhnedvinsk region, which is the entire current population of the region! And it practically wiped it off the face of the earth… But they endured, swallowing tears. They coped. They revived it. They did everything to make the region flourish again.

– Today we have something to be proud of. A new look for the city, modern production, and developed infrastructure have been created. Dozens of cultural, sports, and spiritual events were held for the 630th anniversary. Verkhnedvinsk has a unique character, distinguished by cleanliness and order. And its people are characterized by diligence and prudence; they are initiators of new endeavors and true masters of their land, – emphasized Igor Ivanovich. – No one, except ourselves, will make life better; our residents are set on creation.

In honor of the anniversary, the best of the best in various fields were recognized. The title of “Honorary Citizen of Verkhnedvinsk District” was awarded to Vladimir Andreichenko, as well as to Vladimir Yakovlev, who served as deputyof the district executive committee for thirty years, paying great attention to the development of the social sphere, to the deputy chairman of the separate division of the Vitebsk Regional Agrarian Union for the Verkhnedvinsk district Lyutsia Grek, who made a significant contribution to agriculture.

Many kind words and congratulations were heard. Including from foreign guests – heads of the Sebezhsky district, Volokolamsk of the Moscow region, Kraslava and Dagda (Latvia), representatives of the city of Kapsagay (Kazakhstan).

And, of course, there were gifts. One of them from the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee – two modern sowing units. The certificate for their receipt was presented to Igor Markovich by the deputy chairman of the regional executive committee Viktor Askerko. 

In the city park, residents and guests were awaited by festive trade, a retro car exhibition, children's attractions, creative contests, sports competitions, boat rides and helicopter flights, in a word, everyone could find an activity to their liking.

The photo exhibition of city views – past and present, prepared by the central district library, attracted attention. Looking at the photographs, in one of the black-and-white shots in the festive procession on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Verkhnedvinsk, a local resident, now a pensioner, Roza Tereshko, saw herself.

– Then I worked at KBO, and we celebrated the city's anniversary, carrying a globe in our hands as a symbol of peace. It was such a holiday! But the current one is no less than it, only we have grown older, – says Roza Ivanovna. – May our Verkhnedvinsk continue to prosper!

Olga MASLOVSKAYA, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".