Preserving the memory of the war helps Belarus counter modern threats - Nikolai Sherstnev
Preserving the memory of the war helps Belarus to counter modern threats, noted today at a ceremony in Vitebsk by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev.
"71 years ago, our people crushed Nazism. The victory came at a very high price. The heroism of people in the fight against the enemy was massive and truly unprecedented, because they fought for the independence of their Motherland and their own right to life. The Pridvinye region also put up a powerful resistance to the enemy. Over 120 thousand residents of the Vitebsk region joined the front banners. Our countrymen participated in the defense of Moscow, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the Battle of Kursk. And in 1945, they also left their names on the Reichstag. The feats of 127 of them were honored with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union," noted Nikolai Sherstnev. He separately recalled the feats of the people's avengers of the partisan region: more than 100 thousand people fought in the region in 60 partisan detachments and formations, self-defense and militia groups, and the party-Komsomol underground.
The Victory Day, according to the governor, is not just an endless "thank you" to the defenders of the Motherland. It is, first and foremost, a memory of all the victims of the ruthless war: 3080 burned villages, 151.5 thousand civilians killed in the region, 68 thousand deported to Germany. As terrible as these figures are, it is important never to forget them. "In our days, we have to talk again about preserving the life and safety of people. The world is once again facing manifestations of nationalism, terrorism, and extremism. It is our duty to unite efforts and fight against such threats, preserving the truth about the war and passing it on to future generations. The main guardians of the Great Victory are former front-line soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters. Today, 2105 veterans of the Great Patriotic War and 5.5 thousand prisoners of Nazi concentration camps live in the region. From these unconquered people, we learn love for the Motherland, a zest for life, and optimism. Thanks to you, dear veterans, generations of free people have grown up who can live, work, and dream," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev. Today, at the Eternal Flame of the memorial complex in honor of Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region on Victory Square, their memory was honored with a minute of silence.thousands of townspeople, including honored guests – veterans. The base of the monument has been strewn with fresh flowers from grateful descendants since early morning. The solemn laying of flowers opened the celebration of the 71st anniversary of the Great Victory in Vitebsk, after which a rally and an impressive march of military units with a parade of military equipment took place, confirming the might of modern defenders of the Fatherland.
The "Victory Dance" became the finishing touch of the procession: about 200 girls and boys danced to songs of the war years and depicted the state flag of Belarus using multi-colored scarves.
Throughout the day, townspeople and guests of Vitebsk will be involved in sports games and contests, and concert programs on Victory Square and around it. Participants of the Street Workout movement will offer everyone to take part in the "Push-ups for Peace" campaign: the total number of push-ups should equal the number of peaceful days after the war.
Cultural workers have prepared many gifts for townspeople and guests: an unusual concert of brass bands, a thematic exhibition of military uniforms, weapons, and items of military life from the funds of the M. V. Shmyrev Regional Museum, an interactive program "In Memory of the Great Patriotic War" on Suvorov Street, free admission to the zoo, and other folk festivals and concerts, thematic events, retro-style dance programs, exhibitions, and contests. In the evening, a large concert program will take place on Victory Square, where all spectators will become participants of the "Light a Candle of Memory" campaign and sing "Victory Day" in unison. The holiday will conclude with a colorful fireworks display.
Ekaterina Knyazeva - BELTA.
"71 years ago, our people crushed Nazism. The victory came at a very high price. The heroism of people in the fight against the enemy was massive and truly unprecedented, because they fought for the independence of their Motherland and their own right to life. The Pridvinye region also put up a powerful resistance to the enemy. Over 120 thousand residents of the Vitebsk region joined the front banners. Our countrymen participated in the defense of Moscow, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the Battle of Kursk. And in 1945, they also left their names on the Reichstag. The feats of 127 of them were honored with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union," noted Nikolai Sherstnev. He separately recalled the feats of the people's avengers of the partisan region: more than 100 thousand people fought in the region in 60 partisan detachments and formations, self-defense and militia groups, and the party-Komsomol underground.
The Victory Day, according to the governor, is not just an endless "thank you" to the defenders of the Motherland. It is, first and foremost, a memory of all the victims of the ruthless war: 3080 burned villages, 151.5 thousand civilians killed in the region, 68 thousand deported to Germany. As terrible as these figures are, it is important never to forget them. "In our days, we have to talk again about preserving the life and safety of people. The world is once again facing manifestations of nationalism, terrorism, and extremism. It is our duty to unite efforts and fight against such threats, preserving the truth about the war and passing it on to future generations. The main guardians of the Great Victory are former front-line soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters. Today, 2105 veterans of the Great Patriotic War and 5.5 thousand prisoners of Nazi concentration camps live in the region. From these unconquered people, we learn love for the Motherland, a zest for life, and optimism. Thanks to you, dear veterans, generations of free people have grown up who can live, work, and dream," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev. Today, at the Eternal Flame of the memorial complex in honor of Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region on Victory Square, their memory was honored with a minute of silence.thousands of townspeople, including honored guests – veterans. The base of the monument has been strewn with fresh flowers from grateful descendants since early morning. The solemn laying of flowers opened the celebration of the 71st anniversary of the Great Victory in Vitebsk, after which a rally and an impressive march of military units with a parade of military equipment took place, confirming the might of modern defenders of the Fatherland.
The "Victory Dance" became the finishing touch of the procession: about 200 girls and boys danced to songs of the war years and depicted the state flag of Belarus using multi-colored scarves.
Throughout the day, townspeople and guests of Vitebsk will be involved in sports games and contests, and concert programs on Victory Square and around it. Participants of the Street Workout movement will offer everyone to take part in the "Push-ups for Peace" campaign: the total number of push-ups should equal the number of peaceful days after the war.
Cultural workers have prepared many gifts for townspeople and guests: an unusual concert of brass bands, a thematic exhibition of military uniforms, weapons, and items of military life from the funds of the M. V. Shmyrev Regional Museum, an interactive program "In Memory of the Great Patriotic War" on Suvorov Street, free admission to the zoo, and other folk festivals and concerts, thematic events, retro-style dance programs, exhibitions, and contests. In the evening, a large concert program will take place on Victory Square, where all spectators will become participants of the "Light a Candle of Memory" campaign and sing "Victory Day" in unison. The holiday will conclude with a colorful fireworks display.
Ekaterina Knyazeva - BELTA.