On Independence Day, a new Honor Board was opened in Vitebsk
The celebration began with a solemn laying of wreaths and flowers at the memorial complex in honor of the Soviet liberator soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region. The event was attended by the leadership of the regional executive committee, the city and district administrations, the deputy corps, representatives of enterprises and organizations, and public associations. Addressing the attendees, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, recalled that 76 years ago, peace returned to the Belarusian land, ravaged by fascist occupation. The war became the most severe trial and revealed the true character of the people.
— History holds many examples of courage shown in battles on the Vitebsk land. The most numerous and effective anti-fascist underground in the country was created here, and the partisan movement was of a nationwide character, – emphasized the head of the region. — The victory came at a high price; we have no right to forget about it.
The historical connection of generations is the foundation of societal development. Today, in new conditions, we face the same task – to protect the freedom and independence of the country, believes Nikolai Sherstnev. The Vitebsk region continues to develop, new jobs are being created, work is being done to increase the efficiency of the agricultural sector and industry, and much is being done to improve the cities and villages. Positive changes are also occurring in the social sphere. In the coming days, a facility crucial for Vitebsk's infrastructure will open – the Polotsk overpass, which was built in 20 months instead of the initially planned 49. Thus, the residents of the Vitebsk region, by performing labor feats, continue the traditions of their fathers and grandfathers, and the unbreakable bond of generations makes us stronger.
Then another significant event of the Independence Day celebration took place – the grand opening ceremony of the new Honor Board of the Vitebsk region and Vitebsk. It has been "moved" closer to the memorial complex in honor of Soviet soldiers-liberators, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region and is installed on Victory Square, looking more massive and powerful than its predecessor. Welcoming the labor collectives, Nikolai Sherstnev noted the symbolism of the event:
— Front-line soldiers, partisans, and home front workers forged victory in the difficult years of the war, and today our contemporaries, through their labor, are creating the foundation for economic development, ensuring the stability and well-being of the Motherland. The fact that the Honor Board is installed in the city center, in a place sacred to each of us, gives special significance to the event.
Afterwards, the participants of the celebrations laid flowers at the bust of Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labor Pyotr Masherov on Zamkovaya Street in the regional center.
Among the festive events, the opening of the updated exposition "Defenders of the Fatherland" at the regional museum of local lore also stands out. It is dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War. The permanent exposition was created in 1994, and now its photo-documentary materials have been updated, the themes of the defense and liberation of Vitebsk have been expanded, and personal collections and personal belongings of the participants in the liberation of the Vitebsk region have been added. The exposition has been supplemented with materials on the restoration of the regional center after the war.
The Independence Day in the regional center concluded with a concert and the "Let's Sing the Anthem Together" event.