A solemn event dedicated to the Day of National Unity was held at the Vitebsk Concert Hall.
The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, explained why September 17 is the most important date in the calendar of state holidays and ranks alongside Victory Day and Republic Day.
As a result of the Riga Peace Treaty of 1921, our state lost its western lands, which became part of Poland. Belarus was left with a small piece of land, which by modern standards corresponded to the area of one region with a population of only 1.5 million people. Belarusians were to be destroyed as a nation. Everything was done for this: from forced Polonization to assimilation. In response to the repressive policy of the Polish authorities, a popular struggle unfolded.
– September 17 became a solemn date for Belarus. On this day, 85 years ago, as a result of the liberation campaign of the Red Army, the reunification of the western and eastern parts of the country began, – reminded the head of the northern region. – Our people became united again, gained the opportunity to live and develop within the borders of one republic. Today, our independent country has its own path of development. Large-scale transformations are also taking place in the Vitebsk region. We are mastering new types of products, expanding their range, modernizing production, and implementing new technological solutions.
Alexander Subbotin noted that today attempts are being made to divide our nation again, to draw a line of hatred and misunderstanding, rejection and anger between Belarusians. This can only be prevented together. Rejection of any external pressure, caring attitude towards the Motherland, concern for it – these are the supporting structures of Belarusian statehood, our genetic and cultural code. People preserve it.
The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee presented the medal "For Labor Merits" to Valentina Martynenko, the Administrator of Affairs – Head of the Department of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, and Irina Chernova, the Head of the Organizational and Personnel Work Department of the Chashniki District Executive Committee.
The award ceremony with certificates of honor from the Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus was conducted by Sergey Levkovich, the Assistant to the President – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region.
– If it weren't for the date of September 17, 1939, it is unknown whether the Republic of Belarus would exist on the map today, – Sergey Levkovich noted. – But justice has triumphed: we are together and united to this day. Thanks to unity in supporting the state's course and consolidation around our President, we live in a peaceful, strong, prosperous, and independent country.
Photo by Alexey VRONSKY