Freedom and independence have always been a priority for the Belarusian people - A. Kosinets

July 3, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. Festive events dedicated to Independence Day in Vitebsk were opened by a solemn rally. Over 10,000 residents of the regional center and guests of the city took part in it, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, congratulated everyone gathered on the important state holiday. "The date of Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus is historically verified and inextricably linked with the liberation of our country from the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War. This victory was not easy for us. Our liberator soldiers fought and gave their lives for equality in the world, for the independence of their Motherland. On this day, we honor the war veterans, pay tribute to the fallen, and turn to the origins of Belarusian statehood," said the head of the region. He noted that the path to independence and freedom was difficult for our country. "Many wanted to bring Belarus to its knees, to destroy it. But the force, whose name is the Belarusian people, distinguished by courage, love for the Fatherland, and a firm readiness to sacrifice everything for the sake of freedom, has always stood against the enemy. Therefore, independence and freedom have a special meaning for us, and have always been and remain the main priority," the governor emphasized. Today, Belarusians are doing everything for the prosperity of the country through their conscientious daily work. According to Alexander Kosinets, the Vitebsk region holds leading positions in the republic in terms of gross regional product, industrial production, the share of shipped innovative products, the share of costs for acquiring machinery and vehicles in the total investment in fixed assets, retail trade turnover, and exports of goods and services. The program for innovative and investment development of the Vitebsk region for 2011-2015 is being successfully implemented. The agricultural sector of the region is developing steadily, with crop and livestock production volumes increasing year by year. Significant attention is paid to healthcare and education. Much is being done to improve the cities and districts of the region: Vitebsk, Polotsk, Glubokoye, Braslav, Rossony, Begoml, Postavy, and other settlements of the Dvina region are becoming more beautiful before our eyes. "All this indicates that our people are focused on results and the production of high-quality, competitive products," stated the chairman of the regional executive committee. The celebration of Independence Day continued in Vitebsk with performances by creative groups at all concert venues in the city. Entertainment programs were prepared by the city zoo, the Soviet Army Cultural and Recreational Complex, the Railway Workers' Park of Culture and Recreation, and the "Golden Ring of Vitebsk 'Dvina'" complex. The attention of citizens was also drawn to the pedestrian zones on Suvorov and Tolstoy streets, where an exhibition-fair of works by Vitebsk artists and folk craftsmen was organized, and performers on folk instruments demonstrated their creativity. Activists of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union also contributed to the general celebration: young people decorated passers-by with symbolic red-green ribbons. In the evening, a concert and the "Let's Sing the Anthem Together" event will gather Vitebsk residents and guests of the city on Victory Square. The eventful day will conclude with a festive fireworks display. -0-