Solemn events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory were held in the Vitebsk region
According to the head of the region, May 9 is dear to everyone who knows about the courage and self-sacrifice of the generation of victors. The true scale of fascist aggression is still impossible to accept or come to terms with. No documents, stories, or chronicles can convey what people endured then. In the Vitebsk region, over 3,000 cities and villages were burned down during the Great Patriotic War, and every third resident perished.
"It is in the traditions of our people not only to defend their native land from the enemy but also to worthily preserve the memory of previous generations," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev. As an example, he cited the Vitebsk region, where by May 1, 1,482 facilities had been repaired, landscaped, and restored – these are memorials, monuments of military glory, and individual and mass graves of soldiers. "Over the past eight years, the names of 175,606 fallen defenders of the Fatherland have been verified out of 205,000 unknown soldiers. In the last year alone, the surnames of 13,000 soldiers have been clarified," the governor noted.
Early this week, the regional stage of the international campaign "In Glory of the Common Victory!" concluded at the "Proryv" memorial complex in Ushachi district. The day before, an alley of Heroes of the Soviet Union, natives of Gorodok district, was opened in Gorodok. In Glubokoye district, a memorial sign was unveiled at the site of the village of Sharagi, where over 150 civilians from Glubokoye and Polotsk districts were burned. On the morning of May 9, solemn events were held in the regional center on Victory Square. "It is deeply symbolic that the series of events is continued by Dubrovno district, where the Rylenki memorial complex is opening after reconstruction. This people's shrine is inextricably linked with the history of this region. On Victory Day, due to the prevailing epidemiological situation, many could not come here to honor the memory of the fallen. It is important that this sacred place exists, and people will constantly come here to bow their heads to the soldiers who defended the Fatherland," said the chairman of the regional executive committee.
Nikolai Sherstnev also drew attention to the fact that today's date is another reason to turn to the lessons of the war. "On this day, we invariably think about the independence and security of our state, as threats in the world do not decrease, they only change their guise. The duty of modern generations is to prevent the emergence of new deadly doctrines and destructive conflicts. The years of military trials and hardships have developed in people a heightened sense of responsibility for peace and order. It is worth remembering: it took decades to revive the country from ruins and ashes," he added.
The main heroes of this great day are, of course, the veterans. "They are our pride, an example of resilience and courage. Life is fleeting. With a sense of deep gratitude, the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure their lives are peaceful and prosperous. It is extremely important for us to say the kindest words to our dear veterans, to express our endless gratitude, and in return to hear wise advice and guidance," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev.
Representatives of regional and district authorities, the President's Aide - Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Anatoly Linevich, local residents, and guests from neighboring districts of the region took part in the festive rally on the occasion of Victory Day at the Rylenkі complex.
BELTA. Photos by BELTA and "Vitebskiye Vesti".